MANITOULIN—The Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay and Districts is calling on local residents to take part in this year’s National Coffee Break Fundraising Campaign.
This popular do-it-yourself event is the Society’s nationwide fundraiser, which each year raises critical funds to support the 5,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the communities of Sudbury, Manitoulin, North Bay and Districts. Anyone can host a Coffee Break—friends, families, or corporations—at home, at work or public venue, by exchanging a cup of coffee for a donation on behalf of the Society. This year’s goal is $20,000.
“For many Canadians living with this devastating disease, the Alzheimer Society is their lifeline,” says Jessica Bertuzzi-Gallo, public relations director with the Sudbury Chapter. “We provide practical support, training and information in communities across Canada, while our programs make a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals and families living with dementia. We’re encouraging Canadians to get involved and spread the word so we can help even more people with this disease.”
Demand for services is steadily climbing as the number of Canadians with dementia surges. Today 747,000 Canadians are living with dementia and an estimated 1.4 million will be affected by 2031. This number does not take into account the thousands of caregivers who clock millions of hours a year in unpaid care.
“It’s no different in Sudbury, North Bay or Manitoulin,” says Jessica Bertuzzi-Gallo. “The dementia crisis is now and it’s in our communities. We still don’t have a cure for the disease, but day programs, caregiver support groups, respite and other services help families to live well and independently longer. Our programs are increasingly vital. We need funds to keep them active.”
While Coffee Break officially kicks off September 18, participants can host their event any time during the month and into November, and can be as simple or elaborate as they like, from organizing corporate challenges to holding trivia nights, to staging events at local coffee shops or shopping malls.
For registration, tips and information on how to get started, visit www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca.
