This event has been postponed.
THUNDER BAY - A new event coming to the city of Thunder Bay is hoping to raise awareness about a disease that is affecting more and more Canadians every year.
Dr. Trevor Bon and Catherine Tombs are hosting The Story Behind the Mask: Masquerade Gala Dinner next month in support of the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay.
“The inspiration behind this event came about upon our travels,” Tombs said. “Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations in Italy, renowned for Venetian masks and masquerade balls. We were captivated by the artistry of the masks and had a desire to share them at home in Thunder Bay for a noble cause.”
The black-tie gala dinner at the Chanterelle will include a three-course dinner of traditional Venetian cuisine, cocktails, and live music featuring Nancy Freeborn and the Morning Light Acoustic Quartet, among other performances.
Bon, who is a geriatrician and board member with the Alzheimer’s Society, said the motivation for putting on the event comes from his own personal experiences in dementia care.
“Imagine foreseeing cognitive challenges in your future. At age 85 approximately half of Canadians will have significant cognitive decline,” he said.
“This prevalence makes dementia an impossible condition or disease to avoid. Someone, either yourself or a loved one will eventually experience dementia. The Story Behind the Mask is a chance to create awareness and support.”
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects various aspects of cognition, including memory, language, and personality. As the disease advances, individuals may undergo significant changes in their perception of self and their ability to maintain a consistent and coherent identity.
It's estimated more than 275,000 people in Ontario are living with dementia and that number is expected to triple by 2050.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay, there are more than 3,000 people in the city living with dementia and the Society supports more than 700 individuals.
“The Story Behind the Mask event ensures that staff can continue supporting clients who live with a diagnosis of a dementia, along with their care partners, through counselling, programs and services, all provided at no cost,” said Pamela Gerry, executive director of Thunder Bay Alzheimer Society.
“With an average of over 20 referrals per month, there is always a need to help more families.”
A mask auction is currently underway with more than 200 handmade masks from Venice up for grabs.
“There is something immediately striking about Venetian masks — some decorative and others elegantly simple. They not only exhibit beauty but also tie the event back to its core cause,” Tombs said. “Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these masks symbolize anonymity, which is a poignant reflection of how individuals with Alzheimer’s feel about the loss of identity.”
“Having firsthand experience, I’ve witnessed the impactful work of the Alzheimer Society in our community - it’s significance, delivered with kindness and quality. Additionally I have heard accounts from patients and their families, attesting to the invaluable support provided by the Alzheimer Society staff,” Bon added.
“Enhanced awareness, understanding, familiarity and comfort with Alzheimer’s disease empower individuals and society to cultivate greater compassion and empathy. This allows for better care, encourages the adoption of practices that might reduce dementia risks, and enables both formal and informal caregiving for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.”
The Story Behind the Mask will be held on Feb. 10. For tickets, the mask auction, and more information visit the Story Behind the Mask website.
This event has been postponed.
