Between the impressive funds raised, musical performance from some Grade 5's, delicious hot dogs, smiling faces and perfect weather, the 2025 Walk for Alzheimer's in Altona was a complete success!
What makes the Altona Walk special?
Erin Crawford is the CEO with The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and commented on why the Altona walk is a special one, "Altona's walk is really special, you've got so many segments of the community that come out and with so much support, whether it's the Co-op supporting the BBQ or the local police force helping to make sure everybody's staying safe, or the local school kids, making sure that everybody's entertained, you've got the sunflower Queens and we've got The Gardens on Tenth offering their space, making it available and supporting the walk happening. Then you've got people like Karen Braun and her team of organizers who I think can do anything, and we're fortunate at the Alzheimer's Society that this is a cause that that they've chosen to put their efforts towards, because I think everybody in Altona and across Manitoba benefits from it because they are determined to make sure that nobody goes through a dementia diagnosis all on their own and that they have the support that they need."
Karen Braun
Karen Braun has been organizing the walk for Alzheimer's in Altona since 1996 and participating in the walk since 1993, this year she set a personal fundraising record this year with a total of $10,695 raised all by herself!
Erin Crawford commented on Karen Braun, "Isn't that incredible? You think about trying to make a difference in something for people and having someone like Karen be willing to go and, you know, raising $10,000 on your own. That's somebody who's willing to go and ask their friends and neighbors. That's somebody is willing to say this is really important to me. I want to make a difference for other people in this disease. You know, so you've got to really be able be willing to put yourself out there. And Karen does that year after year and as a result, we're able to put programs on that really do provide. Whether it's recreation, whether it's support groups, whether it's one-on-one supportive counseling, those programs really exist because of Karen and because of the other folks who help her organize the walk and make donations to one another and go and ask their own friends. And family and neighbors.
The 2025 Walk in Altona
The fundraising total for the 2025 Altona Walk for Alzheimer's was $16,605, the volunteers were plenty (everyone pictured in a blue shirt), the participants were bountiful as well, hot dogs were enjoyed, smiles and stories shared, perfect weather for walking, a complete success front to back.
Enjoy the full conversation between Erin Crawford, CEO with The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and CFAM Morning Show co-host Zack Driedger below:
(All photos in the gallery are courtesy of Wicus Conradie / D&W Productions)
