‘Walk for Memories’ slated here Sunday

The Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts is holding its annual “Walk for Memories” fundraiser in both Rainy River and Fort Frances this weekend.
The first walk will take place Saturday in Rainy River, with one to follow here on Sunday. A third will be held May 30 in Emo.
Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the local Alzheimer Society, said Monday she’s received quite a few inquiries from those interested in participating, but would not know how many people will be doing so until they turn in their pledges on the days of the walks.
She noted the Alzheimer Society booth at the local Chamber of Commerce’s home and leisure show here last weekend also saw a fair amount of traffic. “We gave out lots of pledge sheets,” said Schonewille.
She stressed pledge forms are still available at some district businesses. In Fort Frances, these include Pharmasave, We ’R’ Entertainment, Tubs ’n Suds, and the United Native Friendship Centre.
They also can be obtained by calling Schonewille at 1-800-682-0245 (given it’s now too late to mail them out, she can fax them to you instead).
Participants must turn in all pledges when they register on the day of the walk. The Alzheimer Society will provide tax receipts for donations of $10 and over.
Any cheques should be made payable to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts.
Each participant who collects pledges also receives a T-shirt when they register (phoning Schonewille ahead of time at the number above will ensure you get the right-sized shirt when you register on the day of the walk).
The walker with the most pledges at each of these events will win a one-night stay at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay.
Those who don’t get pledges ahead of time still can buy a T-shirt for $15 on the day of the respective events in the three locations and walk for the cause.
That $15 will go to the Alzheimer Society.
As well, food and refreshments will be available for all the participants afterwards.
The walk Saturday in Rainy River will start at the Legion, with registration at 10:30 a.m., while the one in Fort Frances on Sunday will see registration start at 1:30 p.m. at Pither’s Point.
The route here will run from Pither’s Point to the Sorting Gap Marina and back.
The walk in Emo on May 30 will see registration start at 1:30 p.m. at the playground along the riverfront there.
Schonewille said that while she hopes Mother Nature co-operates, walkers should bring along their umbrellas just in case since all three events will go on “rain or shine.”
She added participants don’t have to walk, but can run, bike, in-line skate, or use other means to get from Point ‘A’ to ‘B.’
This will be the third year for the fundraiser in this region, but only the second for Fort Frances, Emo, and Rainy River. Last year’s event here raised $2,083.
The Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts held similar “Walk for Memories” events in Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Dryden, and Red Lake over the past couple of weeks.
The ones in Red Lake and Sioux Lookout drew the most, with both seeing more than $2,000 in pledges turned in.
In related news, Schonewille noted a session entitled “Care for the Caregivers” will be held Thursday, May 27 at 7 p.m. in Room 138 at Fort Frances High School.
She said this educational evening is aimed at anyone having to care for someone afflicted with Alzheimer’s, including friends, family, neighbours, and professional caregivers.