Prince George area residents invited to hike for Alzheimer's fundraiser

People affected by dementia, have experienced isolation and uncertainty as well as a loss of many services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with extreme heat and wildfires throughout much of the province.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is launching its fall fundraiser, the Climb for Alzheimer’s. The annual event, now in its 10th year raises awareness and funds to support critical programs and services that help Fraser-Fort George and other B.C. residents.

The society is inviting Prince George, Mackenzie, McBride, Valemount and other residents of the region to hike local trails.

For the 10th annual event, the society is inviting British Columbians to choose a hike of their own while fundraising for the dementia cause.

The event begins on Sept. 1 and ends on Sept. 21, which is World Alzheimer’s Day.

“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 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 from Neptune Terminals who is a sponsor of the annual event.

“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.

Funds raised will help the Alzheimer Society of B.C. provide support, education and advocacy for families affected by dementia, and enable research that will advance knowledge of the disease.