Press Release
The Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts has kicked off its annual “Coffee Break” fundraiser, and is calling on local residents and business to become hosts to support 1,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the area.
Besides being a great reason for socializing with friends, family, and co-workers, “Coffee Break” is an easy, do-it-yourself fundraiser that makes a huge difference in the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
It’s easy and fun to be a host! The Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts provides the hosting kit, which includes Alzheimer information, coffee, puzzles, and a donation box.
Then it’s up to individuals and organizations to set a date, invite guests, and collect donations in exchange for a cup of coffee.
Individuals and organizations can host “Coffee Breaks” when it best suits their schedule.
There also are many fun and creative options for this event. It is not limited to coffee!
“This year’s goal is $5,000 to support the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts in continuing to make a difference by providing free support services for families and individual suffering with the disease,” said executive director Lynn Moffatt.
“For many Canadians living with this devastating disease, the Alzheimer Society is their lifeline,” she noted.
“We provide families and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease with education, support, and ensure they have the necessary community support services in place.”
Demand for services is climbing steadily as the number of Canadians with dementia surges. An estimated 1.3 million Canadians will be affected by 2038.
This number does not take into account thousands of caregivers who already clock a staggering 231 million hours a year in unpaid care.
Burgeoning “baby-boomers” will compound this trend. The risk for dementia doubles every five years after age 65.
“It’s no different in Kenora,” said Moffatt. “The dementia is on the rise now and it’s in our communities.
“We still don’t have a cure for the disease, but the ‘First Link program,’ caregiver support groups, learning series, respite, and other services help families to live well and independently longer.
“Our programs are increasingly vital,” she stressed. “We need funds to keep them active.”
While “Coffee Break” officially kicked off Oct. 11, participants can host their event any time during the month and into November, and can be as simple or elaborate as they like—from organizing corporate challenges to holding trivia nights to staging events at local coffee shops.
Contact us today for your hosting kit by calling 1-807-468-1516 or visiting www.alzheimerkrr.com
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of dementia. It is a fatal brain disease that progressively impacts memory, speech, and behaviour.
Those affected eventually will become dependent on others for every aspect of their care.
The disease can start to develop 10-20 years before symptoms appear.
Age is still a major risk factor, but the disease also can strike people in their 40s and 50s.
