They have strange names like; Memory Joggers, Marilyn’s Memories and The Forget Me Not Gang. A common thread runs through all of those names and the connection is the loss of memory from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Each one of those groups and many more are joining together to participate in the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s on May 7 at the Harbour Towers Hotel.
Alzheimers and dementia have personal and social consequences for those afflicted as well as their family and friends.
The Oak Bay Kiwanis Memory Joggers, led by Captain Wendy Walker, are busy fundraising for the Alzheimer Society is to help continue its important work toward a world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
“We have done it on and off for eight to 10 years and the club wasn’t organized last year. I decided I’m going to organize everybody. It’s close to my heart,” said Walker.
She said the Kiwanis administrate three seniors homes including Kiwanis Pavilion which has mainly dementia residents.
“Personally I’m at an age where so many friends are affected by it. Dementia (and Alzheimer’s) is a devastating disease,” she added. “One thing we cannot change is that we are getting older, and you hear about it more and more.”
The Memory Joggers will be out in their Kiwanis jackets and vests and they could use your help. Those interested in participating can either join the team, sponsor a team or donate to the cause. To sign up go to: support.alzheimer.ca or go to www. Kiwanis Memory Joggers. If you would like to donate online, visit: walkforalzheimers.ca and click on “Sponsor a walker” in the top right corner.
There will be lots of giveaways, no registration fee and a whole lot of fun for a good cause.
Participants are asked to dress for the weather, if it is sunny bring sunscreen and a hat. Water and refreshments will be on hand, but bring water just in case.
Registration at Harbour Tower Hotel, 345 Quebec Street, begins at 9 a.m., walk begins at 10:30 a.m. The walk, through Beacon Hill Park, can be either a short route, approximately 18 minutes, 1.5 Km or a long route at 2.5 Km, approximately 30 minutes.