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Abbotsford residents invited to Climb for Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer Society of B.C. climb raises funds to support people living with dementia
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Climbers participate in the Climb for Alzheimer’s event in the past. (Alzheimers Society photo)

COVID-19, forest fires, extreme heat waves. It’s been a challenging time for everyone.

But these hurdles have taken an extra toll on people affected by dementia, who have experienced isolation and uncertainty as well as the loss of many services.

In many cases, these isolating conditions can contribute to cognitive decline.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is launching its fall fundraiser, the Climb for Alzheimer’s, to be able to continue supports for people living with dementia during this time. The annual event, now in its tenth year, raises awareness and funds to support critical programs and services for people in the Fraser Valley and around the province.

Taking place from Sept. 1 - 21, the Climb invites Abbotsford residents to join other British Columbians in hiking local trails.

“Now more than ever, we are pulling out all the stops to make sure British Columbians affected by dementia are able to access the support they need. We continue to adapt our programming to a virtual setting, so it is accessible, no matter where you are in the province,” says Jen Lyle, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The majority of our funding comes from the generosity of the community: committed individuals and organizations who support us through events such as the Climb for Alzheimer’s.”

Supporters include North Vancouver-based Neptune Terminals, a long-term sponsor of this annual event.

“Dementia touches so many people. Often you won’t even know your employees are dealing with it in their families,” says Lisa Dooling, Neptune’s Director of Community & Stakeholder Engagement. “By sponsoring the Climb for Alzheimer’s, we help start those conversations with our employees, at the same time as we support important services for so many people in the communities where we live and work.”

Participants can register as individuals or as a team and are encouraged to share their hiking and climbing challenges online. To register or make a donation to the event, visit climbforalzheimers.ca.

For questions about dementia or memory loss, or to connect to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s programs and services, call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information and support is also available in Punjabi (1-833-674-5003) and in Cantonese or Mandarin (1-833-674-5007) Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

READ MORE: Alzheimer’s can strike at young age, says 43-year-old Chilliwack woman with disease


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Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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