Image: Alzheimer Society of BC / The Chilliwack Alzheimer Walk held on Sunday, May 28 raised $13,000 to fund programs and services for the more than 85,000 residents in British Columbia who suffer from dementia. The walk began at the Chilliwack Landing Sports Centre on Spadina Avenue. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack Alzheimer's Walk raises $13K

Chilliwack Alzheimer’s Walk raises thousands for dementia services in B.C.

Jun 28, 2023 | 9:04 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Chilliwack community rallied their family and friends to raise more than $13,000 during the Alzheimer’s Walk on Sunday, May 28 in Chilliwack.

In a news release from Sara Wagner, manager of community services for the Alzheimer Society of BC, the non-profit charity welcomed the fundraising tally as it delivers programs and services in the Fraser Valley like the First Link Dementia Helpline.

Online donations will be accepted until July 15, so the fundraising numbers will grow even higher. Funds raised are instrumental in allowing the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to fund critical programs and services, as well as enabling research into the causes and cures for dementia for the more than 85,000 people living with dementia in the province. More than 4,500 people live with dementia in the East Fraser region, which includes Chilliwack.

“The wonderful turnout for the Walk was an incredible show of support for fellow community members facing the disease,” the Alzheimer Society of BC said in its statement. “The Chilliwack honourees, Taylor Ogston and Karen Stewart, graciously shared their story to help reduce stigma associated with the disease and let others on the dementia journey know they are not alone. Their courage in sharing their story has been truly inspiring to all of us.”

Image: Alzheimer Society of BC / Taylor Ogston and Karen Stewart shared their story during the Chilliwack Walk on Sunday, May 28.

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Behind the scenes this event is planned, organized and executed by a dedicated volunteer committee made up of Chilliwack residents, led by Ron Angell and Virginia Reemeyer.

“They all worked so hard to make this event possible,” the Alzheimer Society of BC said. “Sponsors and donors who lent their support included the local offices and staff of national title sponsor IG Wealth Management. The provincial Walk patrons – the Cowell Foundation, Lecky Foundation and Aune Foundation – matched donations and inspired donors to give. Thanks to the generosity and support of our participants, donors, volunteers, honouree families, sponsors and patrons, we will continue to ensure people affected by dementia are not alone.”

If you were unable to donate prior to event day and would like to contribute, the Walk website will remain open until July 15. Please visit alzbc.org/walk or contact 1-604-681-6530.

If you are interested in helping us build on the incredible success of this year’s event, we are currently recruiting volunteers to organize and implement the 2024 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. To learn more or apply for a volunteer role, visit alzbc.org/JoinOurVolunteerTeam or contact Matt Brooks at mbrooks@alzheimerbc.org or 1-604-681-6530.