The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth will host the annual Walk for Alzheimer's on May 30 across Huron and Perth, and this year's events also coincide with longtime Executive Director Cathy Ritsema retiring.
Ritsema has been the executive director for 28 years, and she says being able to help those who have dementia and their families has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
"It's been a privilege for me to be able to walk alongside people with dementia and their care partners, and my passion really is to help people and I was fortunate enough to be able to have a career in that area. So, it truly has been a privilege," Ritsema shared proudly.
Ritsema says she was inspired to set a goal that celebrates her years on the job after a close friend decided to donate $2,800 to her.
"So I thought 'What could I do? What could I leave behind?' I know that we still need to raise about 30 per cent of our budget for our programs and services that goes directly to our clients. So I thought 'Yeah, I think I could do that,' and I came up with a campaign around the idea of 'It's Been Great, Donate, 28!'" Ritsema enthused.
Now, Ritsema hopes to raise $28,000 this year for the walks, which will be held May 30 at 10 a.m. in Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Listowel, St. Marys, Stratford and Wingham.
The work the Alzheimer Scoiety Huron Perth does requires fundraising to support the programs it offers. Ritsema notes that includes education about Alzheimer's and outreach to support that, as well as in-home support for those suffering from dementia and their families. There are over 3,300 people in the Huron-Perth region suffering from some form of the disease. Also, there are recreational programming and social outings that are offered, and while some of that is supported by government funding, some key aspects of service are not.
"So one that has no government funding is our social recreation program, which is extremely important. So we have programs where the person with dementia and their care partner come together for exercise, cognitive activity, socialization, all those important elements that keep people living well in their home longer," added Ritsema.
To directly support Cathy's fundraising goal, you can visit the following link: https://support.alzheimer.ca/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20002a?px=1013473&fr_id=5580&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=7B6F7DF28F4AE52FF51F188CDBC52510
You can also pickup pledge forms to join the walks at Alzheimer Society Huron Perth locations or by calling 519-482-1482. Additionally, you can do direct e-transfers to the Cathy and the society at CathyR@AlzHP.ca. Click here for more information on the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth or to register for the walks, as well: https://alzheimer.ca/huronperth/en
