Dear editor,
The Comox Valley community rallied their family and friends to raise more than $37,000 in the 2023 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, presented by Go Auto.
Online donations will be accepted until July 15, so this number will grow even higher. Funds raised are instrumental in supporting the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to deliver programs and services, including the First Link Dementia Helpline, as well as enabling research into the causes and cures for dementia for the more than 85,000 people living with dementia in the province. More than 2,100 people live with dementia in the North Vancouver Island region, which includes the Comox Valley.
The wonderful turnout for the walk was an incredible show of support for fellow community members facing the disease. The Comox Valley honourees, Bev White and Paul Atterton, graciously shared their story to help reduce the stigma associated with the disease and let others on the dementia journey know they are not alone. Their courage in sharing their story has been truly inspiring to all of us.
Behind the scenes this event is planned, organized and executed by a dedicated volunteer committee made up of Comox Valley residents, led by Jason Heflin. They all worked so hard to make this event possible. Sponsors and donors who lent their support included the local offices and staff of national title sponsor IG Wealth Management. The provincial Walk for Alzheimer’s patrons – the Cowell Foundation, Lecky Foundation and Aune Foundation – matched donations and inspired us all to give.
Thanks to the generosity and support of our participants, donors, volunteers, honouree families, sponsors and patrons, we will continue to ensure people affected by dementia are not alone.
If you were unable to donate prior to event day and would like to contribute, the Walk website will remain open until July 15. Please visit alzbc.org/walk or contact 1-604-681-6530.
Colleen Cahoon
Manager, Community Services
Alzheimer Society of B.C.