Alzheimer’s walk touted as best yet

Duane Hicks

The annual “Walk for Alzheimer’s” here Saturday was one to remember, raising a whopping $10,060.
This is the most the local event, which first started here in 2003, has ever raised.
Nearly 50 walkers gathered at the Sorting Gap Marina that morning–relieved to see the ominous dark clouds had shifted westward and made way for sunshine.
After posting the names and photos of loved ones on a “Memory Wall,” then doing a quick warm-up, participants departed either east or west to embark on 2K and 5K treks along the La Verendrye Parkway.
Upon their return, they were treated to a free barbecued lunch.
The top team was Team Gagne, which raised $1,800, followed closely by Team St. John’s Anglican ($1,600).
Linda York, meanwhile, was the top individual pledge-getter with $1,050, followed by Blayne Orr ($900).
“This one is always a great event–it just blows me away,” said Rossana Tomashowski, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts.
“It’s such a wonderful event to participate in,” she added, noting the Alzheimer Society is only 45 percent funded, so it must raise the other 55 percent through community fundraisers.
Tomashowski not only thanked the individuals and teams who participated but volunteers like Ellen Gagne, who grilled up hotdogs and hamburgers for all participants for a third-straight year, who make the walk a success each year.
Tomashowski also tipped her hat to the Alzheimer Society staff, including client services co-ordinator Mary O’Connor, and program and events co-ordinator Mary Carter, both of whom organized and promoted the local walk.
Looking ahead, the Alzheimer Society is hosting a “Fore! The Memories” charity golf tournament here on Friday, July 7 at Kitchen Creek.
Tee-off is at 1 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m.
The entry fee is $100 per golfer, which includes golf fees and a cart, dinner, and a $40 tax receipt.
To register, call toll-free 1-800-682-0245 or e-mail info@alzheimerkrr.com
This will be followed by the 15th-annual “Ride for Memories,” which is slated for Saturday, Aug. 19.
This is a charitable motorcycle ride and poker run to raise money for the local Alzheimer Society.
Riders register and then get pledges before the event.
The early-bird registration is $20, which includes a steak dinner.
After July 27, the registration fee is $25.
This year’s ride will include start locations in Fort Frances, Dryden, and Kenora, and include lunch at the Legion here.
It will end with a steak dinner at the Legion in Dryden.
Prizes will be awarded to the top pledge-getters and best poker hands.
Local riders will depart from The Harbourage at 9 a.m., with registration first starting at 8 a.m.
To register, call toll-free 1-800-682-0245 or e-mail info@alzheimerkrr.com