Duane Hicks
The sunny, warm weather was perfect for the seventh-annual “Walk for Memories” here Sunday afternoon, which saw 12 pledged participants bring in $922 for the Alzheimer Society of the Kenora-Rainy River District.
Bernie Collier of Fort Frances was the top fundraiser at the local walk, with $233 in pledges, to earn a one-night stay at the Delta Winnipeg.
All pledged registrants also received a free T-shirt.
This year’s walk started at the Super 8 Motel, with participants then heading over to Fort Frances High School to walk around the track.
Then they returned to the Super 8 Motel, where they were treated to a sundae of their own making or a fruit snack.
Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the local Alzheimer Society, said the sunshine and warm temperatures truly helped make it “a fantastic day.”
She added she was “really happy” with the success of the fundraiser given that participation was down a little.
Schonewille noted there’s a possibility the walk will be cross-promoted with “Curves for Women” next year and get a boost in numbers.
A “Walk for Memories” also was held in Rainy River on Saturday, where $1,085 was raised.
A total of nine people—six adults and three children—took part there. The top fundraiser was Rachel Marquis, who brought in more than $300 to win a stay at the Holiday Inn Airport in Winnipeg.
In related news, the local Alzheimer Society is planning “tag days” here on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20. Volunteers are needed to give out tags and collect donations at several locations around town.
Let the Alzheimer Society know if you can donate two hours of your time to help with this event by calling 1-800-682-0245.
As well, the new Alzheimer Society cash calendars are now on sale. They are available through Schonewille (1-800-682-0245), or from Faye Flatt at the Civic Centre, Shannon Rodriguez at The Den, and Arlene Georgeson at Curves.
They also will be available at the Fort Frances Times office in the near future.
Schonewille also will be at the Emo Fall Fair in August to sell the calendars.
The calendar—which runs from September, 2009-August, 2010—features regional scenes photographed by shutterbugs from across the two districts.
They cost $20 each and feature $12,000 in prize money.
In September and January, the prizes are $75 every weekday.
Every other month, the prize is $40 each weekday, with a few larger windfalls interspersed throughout the year.
