Today is World Alzheimer Day, to raise awareness of the disease as well as other forms of dementia. It marks the beginning of a month of fundraising events in Niagara and around the globe.
The Alzheimer Society of Niagara has chosen Regional Chair Jim Bradley to be their honourary chair this year.
Yesterday, Alzheimer Society staff joined Bradley, regional employees, dignitaries, and the public at Regional Headquarters to take part in a flag raising ceremony to officially launch the campaign.
Noting that this region is greatly affected by the disease, Bradley said, "In Niagara, we have the most seniors on a per capita basis and many of us know someone with dementia or someone who is a caregiver."
Before raising the flag he addressed the gathering, saying, “We know that Alzheimer’s Disease impacts so many people - not only those who are afflicted but the caregivers who have an onerous task to undertake and they do beautifully but with a great many challenges. Society as a whole is affected.“
The Alzheimer Society of Niagara revealed there are more than 10,000 people living with dementia and for every one person diagnosed, 10 others are affected; this is more than a quarter of the population in Niagara.
Recounting how that wasn’t always the case Bradley shared, “When you go into senior’s care centres today it’s very likely more than half suffer from Alzheimers or some other form of dementia, so it’s a major challenge.”
He continued, "I am deeply honoured to be the honorary chair of the Coffee Breaks. They are a wonderful way of raising funds. Our focus is to build support among our team, here at the Region, for the Alzheimer Society and see that reflected in the Coffeee Breaks, not only here but also the ones being held across the region, the province and the country. I want to thank all of you who are involved in the Alzheimer Society of Niagara and those who are here from the Region in support of you."
"The flag raising is symbolic of this occasion," he continued, "but it is important for people to know that we’re focusing attention on one particular event today but of course on Saturday, which is very significant around the world. Because we’re all affected it makes it more meaningful,” added Bradley referring to today, Saturday, Sept. 21, which is World Alzheimer Day.
"We have two goals. One is research, to find a way to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia from afflicting people in the first place. And the second is to provide as much service to the afflicted, family and friends, and that’s what the Society has been doing for so long and I thank you and commend you for doing so much," concluded Bradley.
Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini took the podium saying, "This is a great initiative. I’ve seen firsthand the terrible side of the disease and the strain it puts on the family. All levels of government have to do more as we’re going to see more and more incidents of dementia. It has to be at the forefront. We need to put more resources toward it and together, we hope to find a cure, or the causes so we can prevent it."
Vic Kerschl, the chair for the Alzheimer Society Niagara Foundation, added, "I want to address the importance of the Coffee Break events. They are one of our major fundraising events. I appreciate, and we are honoured to have Chair Bradley act as our honorary chair this year."
The Alzheimer Society thanks sponsors Giant Tiger Stores in St. Catharines, Barclay & Todd’s, J&L Flooring and Seniors on The Move.
For more information visit the Society website.
