The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is encouraging South Delta residents to show people affected by dementia their support by registering and fundraising for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
The event is the Society’s largest fundraiser, and this year, participants are encouraged to walk their own way throughout May, before joining together for an online celebration on Sunday, May 30.
While participants are encouraged to participate in honor of people in their own lives who have been affected by dementia, they can also walk for the event’s dedicated honorees in South Delta: the Harbott family.
Thirty years ago, Maureen Harbott started documenting her family history and stories. She encouraged her husband Michael to do the same. Their collaboration took 12 years, then sat untouched for several years while Maureen’s symptoms of dementia progressed.
Finally, Michael wrote the last chapter of their book, Our Fine Romance: “What a wonderful legacy to leave. It was an amazing achievement and I never thought I could do anything like that. If Maureen hadn’t started writing I never would have done it.”
Maureen now lives in long-term care, with support from Michael as well as their four children and many grandchildren who often visit. Michael attends the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s caregiver support group in Tsawwassen and donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their book to the Society to help ensure others have access to the same support and education they do.
Funds raised for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s help support Alzheimer Society of B.C. programs and services. To register for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, participants can visit walkforalzheimers.ca, choose their local community and create a fundraising page to share with friends and family.
No matter where or when they walk (in accordance with current public health orders), participants will make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers.
