We hope you are staying safe and well. During this time, our phone lines remain open. If you need to reach our counselling staff, or have questions about programs and services, please call 705-722-1066.
We also invite you to keep checking our website to learn about upcoming online and in-person events and programs. You will also be able to catch up on any newsletters you may have missed.
Happy reading!
Will you walk 10,500 steps for 10,500 people living with dementia in Simcoe County?
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Join us for our 24th Annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s!
The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County (ASSC) IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s will be happening across Simcoe County during the month of May.
Will you walk 10,500 steps for 10,500 people living with dementia in Simcoe County and raise funds that will support the critical programs and services offered by ASSC to people living with dementia and their families and care partners?
Walk safely with a team or walk alone, with your dog or with a friend - do it for dementia!
Once again, we are asking people to walk throughout the month of May, and we are excited to announce that we will be hosting an in-person celebration at the end of the month.
On Sunday, May 29th we will come together at Simcoe County Museum where we can walk together for the first time since May 2019 and celebrate everyone who walked during the month of May.
It will be a fun-filled, family-friendly event featuring local entertainment, vendors, food, and more.
All funds raised will stay in our community so we can continue to deliver FREE counselling, support groups, education and social recreation programs.
DONATIONS NEEDED! Would you like to introduce your company, your products, or your services to a new and supportive audience? We are appealing to local businesses for in-kind donations for our auction or raffle to support the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
For more information about the Walk or about donating an item please contact Katherine at events.simcoe@alzheimersociety.ca or call 705-722-1066 ext. 228.
Starting in March, we will be gathering more demographic information from our clients so we can get to know you better. This is a process that Alzheimer Societies across Ontario are embarking upon to ensure that people have equitable access to our programs and services. We want to make sure we are responding to the individual needs of our clients and that we are not making assumptions about who we serve. Your answers will help us to meet your unique needs and improve the overall quality of our programs and services. These questions are completely voluntary, and individuals are welcome to choose “prefer not to answer” as a response. Our first phase will be focusing on implementing this data collection process upon initial intake. We look forward to your support and cooperation as we learn more about who we serve.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura-Lynn Bourassa, Manager of Education and Support Programs at lbourassa@alzheimersociety.ca or 705-722-1066 ext. 224.
Musical Memories is a 6-week online music series offering people living with dementia, and their care partners the opportunity to join with others in an enjoyment of music!
Friday mornings from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (ongoing)
The Good Day Caf? is a weekly program being offered on ZOOM. Bring your coffee or tea and enjoy an opportunity to chat with friends from the comfort of your home. Contact lfebrey@alzheimersociety.ca to register.
From left to right - Back row - Mayor Steve Clarke, Mayor Mike Burkett, Tom Rennie, Debbie Islam, Valerie Powell, Jay Fallis, Charlie Horse Front row - Ann Marie Kungl, Tom Stevens, Judith Cox, Steve McNeil, Daniel Patriquin, Ocean Dinel
After almost 160 hours on the ice to raise money for Alzheimer’s, Steve McNeil kissed the ice good-bye at Webers Starbucks Rink on February 21st for his 8th and final skate of the season.
Ann-Marie Kungl and Valerie Powell, our fearless Board members donned their skates at midnight to join Steve on the ice and kick off his first ever skate for ASSC. And it was a GREAT one! Over 300 people attended donating over $6,000 and funds are still coming in online. We thank Steve for everything he does to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society across Ontario and across the country.
We have a lot of people to thank and want to start with a big shout out and sincere thanks to Webers Starbucks for hosting the event; our anonymous donor for matching onsite donations; the Trailer Brothers; the Fairfield by Marriot Orillia; Montana’s BBQ Orillia; and K. Winter Sanitation. Without media we couldn’t do this - thank you to BIG 101, Fresh Radio, Rock 95, Kool FM and all the media outlets for their coverage. We thank Mayor Burkett and Mayor Clarke, Severn Councillor Judith Cox, and Orillia Councillor Jay Fallis for joining us at the rink. Thanks to the Barrie Colts for their support from afar and to Charlie Horse for coming out to the rink. Go Colts! And to the Mariposa School of Skating for gracing the ice with their amazing talents. To the hockey teams across Simcoe County who took on the #1926 Challenge way to go, you rocked it!
This event wouldn’t have been such a success without the support of our community. We thank everyone who donated online and onsite, and all the people who came out from the furthest corners of Simcoe County and beyond to cheer Steve on. And lastly, cheers to our ASSC staff and volunteers who always give so freely of their time and energy to ensure the events we do are a huge success.
Steve suggests a donation of $19.26, but any amount is genuinely appreciated. All funds raised stay in the local region to support the programs and services offered by ASSC to the 10,500 people living with dementia right across Simcoe County.
Women are disproportionately impacted by dementia—those living with dementia and care partners alike. In fact, 72% of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease are women and in general, women are more likely to become the primary care partner to someone living with dementia.
On March 8, empower the women in your life who are living with dementia, the women who are caring for someone living with dementia, and women everywhere, by reaching out and letting them know you are there for them.
Are you a family caregiver or a person living with dementia in a rural, remote, or isolated community in Canada? Your feedback is needed. You will receive a $50 honorarium in appreciation for your time. Learn more here.
Opportunity for Participation: Dementia Surveillance Project
Are you a person living with dementia or care partner in Canada? Participate in a virtual focus group where your perspective will help shape Canada’s dementia data system and help promote quality of life for those impacted by the disease. Learn more here.
Research on Rural-Dwelling Older Persons with Dementia & Their Care Partners
Take part in a study about care practices that help improve the physical & cognitive functioning after a hospital stay. Participation will involve one interview via telephone or video conference or at your home. An honnorarium will be provided. Learn more here.
We are pleased to share another story from one of our amazing volunteers! This month’s account comes from Karie Warnar, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.
We couldn’t produce the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s without the support of amazing sponsors.
This year, we are very excited to be partnering with the County of Simcoe and Simcoe County Museum where we will be celebrating and walking together on Sunday, May 29th!
SPONSORS ARE STILL NEEDED!
We want to ensure that every dollar raised, and every donation made at the event will be used to support people living with dementia in Simcoe County.
We hope you can help us do this. Sponsorship revenue will be used to increase awareness about the event through print, radio and digital advertising and it will supplement costs associated with producing the event. If you or someone you know might be interested in sponsorship, we want to hear from you! Please reach out to Katherine at events.simcoe@alzheimersociety.ca or call 705-817-5633.
Thank you to our returning and new sponsors for 2022! Your support is greatly appreciated!
People living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are especially vulnerable at this time, if you are able to, please consider supporting the essential services and programs that benefit this community.
