Thunder Bay – On Saturday, participants walked to honour over 240,000 individuals living with dementia in Ontario.
“We’re here raising awareness for the community and to support individuals living with a diagnosis of dementia in Thunder Bay and the community,” said Pamela Gerrie, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay.
“We’re looking at about 90 to 100 participants that have come out to join this large event,” she said
The typical length of the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s would be three kilometres, which equals approximately seven times around the track at St. Ignatius High School.
However, participants can walk for how ever long feels comfortable for them and are encouraged to take breaks.
“We’re going to leave it up to the participants, but it’s about one hour were going to be walking,” Gerrie said.
This is one of the largest events that is held by the Alzheimer’s Society, not only across the province but across the country.
IG Wealth Management returned as the title sponsor for the 2024 walk.
“We’ve partnered with IG Wealth Management for five plus years, and they’ve been a great national sponsor,” she said
They are committed to supporting families through involvement in the walk, and beyond.
Since 2015, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s has raised over $47 million for people living with dementia and their care partners.
“Stigma doesn’t allow people to come forward and get the help and support that they do require,” Gerrie said.
"Being a part of our community really allows us to bring the illness to the forefront, so people feel comfortable coming forward."
Raising awareness only breaks down barriers, our largest one being stigma, she said.
Donations can still be made for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s until the month of July.
The Alzheimer’s Society will be accepting donations at 1184 Roland Street, or online through www.alzheimerthunderbay.ca.
Gerrie said she was grateful to Boston Pizza for providing lunch - the restaurant donated several pizzas for participants to enjoy.
