The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba is growing in attendance, raising funds, and launching new programs.
A few weeks ago, the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba held the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. Since then, donations have been counted, and organizers are able to reflect on the event.
South Eastman Regional Coordinator Sierra Dueck was encouraged by the turnout at their annual walk and says the atmosphere was amazing.
“Last year we had about 20-25 people come out and this year we had closer to 40-50 people. So, we basically doubled our size, which is really encouraging as it was just the second year back after the pandemic that we've hosted it in Steinbach at AD Penner Park.”
Dueck noted that not only did attendance grow, but donations also increased, with Perk Coffee donating 10 percent of its sales back to the cause.
“Last year we raised between $300 to $400 and this year we raised closer to $3000 to $4000.”
Dueck explains that the funds raised by this event stay in Manitoba and go towards the services and support they provide.
One program that benefits from this is the First Link program, which provides a listening ear and resources, checking in with caretakers or those living with dementia.
“It also goes towards facilitating our support groups that we have around Manitoba, including a few in the region as well. It goes towards our education, both virtual and in-person that we do presentations our minds in motion program.”
The Alzheimer’s Society Manitoba has also launched a new pilot program regarding cognitive care kits.
Dueck says that programs like this have been successful in Ontario, and she is excited to see how this looks in Manitoba.
The Alzheimer’s Society has partnered with Jake Epp Library to bring 4 kits with cognitively stimulating or socially stimulating games which can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.
“So, we have a few items in each of the kits that you can engage with other people and then some that people can do individually. Some examples of the items in the kits include, you know, we have some wood mazes, we have some Aqua painting, we have reusable word search, and different puzzles. We have a lot of different activities in there.”
Dueck says that some of these activities are played in their Minds in Motion Program, and these kits may also spread awareness in that area.
“We understand that people living with dementia and living with brain change are very unique and no one experiences the disease the same. So we very purposefully didn't put stages on at this point in time to the kits, unlike some other kits you may see out there. We would just encourage people if they're thinking about taking a kit out and checking it out that they can just take one out and then see what activities resonate with them and fit their needs and abilities”
You do not need to be from Steinbach to borrow a kit. The project is available for everyone to try.
“We know that trying new things and challenging our brains in different ways are really good for our brains. So that is also another goal behind these kits. We want to give people an opportunity to try new things.”
Dueck notes that they are looking for feedback. There are forms in the kits, or you can contact Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba directly.
With files from Judy Peters