Heather Latter
The “Spring Reflections” dinner hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts’ on Saturday night at La Place Rendez-Vous here was a success, raising about $4,795 for the further promotion of Alzheimer awareness and education.
“It went really well. It was a huge success,” enthused executive director Lynn Moffatt.
She admitted attendance was a little lower this year, but that everyone seemed to have a good time regardless.
“We had singers Faye Flatt and Brittany Hayes perform, as well as ‘Centre-Line’ afterwards, so everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves,” she noted.
“Besides, all the money that we raised, every little bit really does help the organization provide ongoing support services.”
Moffatt said they are grateful for all the support from the local businesses, volunteers, and everyone who purchased tickets for the dinner.
“It truly means a lot to our organization,” she stressed.
In addition to the entertainment, the evening featured a meal of pork tenderloin, topped with a mushroom Marsala demi glaze and served with rice pilaf and carrots.
There also were several silent auction items, plenty of prizes, and a raffle for a two-night stay at Big Pine Lake Camp near Nestor Falls (valued at $500).
The fundraiser replaced the “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction,” which debuted in 2006 and was last held here in January, 2011.
“We wanted to try a different venue location and we wanted to try something a little bit different this year,” Moffatt explained, noting the organization’s event co-ordination committee in Fort Frances will be evaluating the event to see if any changes will be made for 2013.
“And we felt with the theme being ‘Spring Reflections,’ it would be a good time for everyone to come out and reflect on those who have been affected by Alzheimer’s,” she added.
Emcee for the event was Christa Pare, who shared her personal experiences with Alzheimer’s, while Moffatt also offered some remarks about the organization.
She also presented Flatt with a gift as she resigned from the board of directors this past fall, but will continue to volunteer for the organization in the fundraising and events capacity.
Moffatt also updated those on hand about the “Touch Quilt” project recently launched by the local Alzheimer Society.
“It’s for people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease to provide them with the opportunity for sensory stimulation,” she explained, displaying an example for people to see.
“Sensory stimulation has proven to increase happiness, joy, and relaxation and lessens sadness and fear,” Moffatt noted.
“It also helps reduce incidents of reactive behaviour, as well.”
Moffatt said they want to provide their current clients, and also those in long-term care facilities, with a touch quilt and they are looking for people in the community to help make them.
They plan to hold a workshop April 28 at the Emo Legion (time TBA) to learn how to make the touch quilts.
“Experience isn’t required,” Moffatt stressed. “People can come and help cut up fabric or even just donate fabric.
“There are plenty of ways to get involved in the project.”
Within the next month, the Kenora office will have kits available for people who don’t make it out to the workshop but still are interested in making the quilts.
“It will have all the material and fabric in it, as well as the instructions, and they’ll be able to make a quilt at home and at their own pace,” she remarked.
The organization is hoping to see 300 touch quilts made.
Having launched the project in Kenora in October, and in Rainy River in January, Moffatt said 50-60 quilts already are completed.
“The response has been wonderful,” she enthused. “As soon as we speak about the ‘Touch Quilt’ project, there are many community members, quilters’ groups, and individuals who are just wanting to get involved.
“It’s been a great opportunity for the Alzheimer Society to meet with more people and introduce them to Alzheimer’s and dementia,” she added.
“It’s also an opportunity to increase the community knowledge of brain health, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis.”
For more information about the “Touch Quilt” project, or any other of the services or programs offered by the organization, contact the Alzheimer Society at 1-800-682-0245 or via e-mail at info@alzheimerkrr.com or www.alzheimerkrr.com
In related news, the Alzheimer Society is planning a golf tournament here on June 16, with more information to follow.
As well, the date for the annual “Ride for Memories” motorcycle fundraiser has been set for Saturday, Aug. 25.
