Alzheimer Society seeking community support through virtual fundraisers
Alongside many other organizations and societies, Alzheimer Societies have made changes to their fall fundraising campaigns.
Funds raised by these campaigns will provide the over 4000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in our community, and their care partners, much needed social, recreation and support programming, the Alzheimer Society Frontenac, Lennox and Addington said in a media release dated Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Social recreation programs have been proven to improve life quality and reduce social isolation, something we have all experienced over the last few months.
According to the release, for every $30.00 raised, a person living with dementia and their care partner will be able to attend two sessions of Minds in Motion—a vital program that provides physical exercise, social interaction, and brain stimulation activities with other clients, volunteers, and staff. Minds in Motion has been offered virtually during the pandemic and this is one example of the excellent work happening in social recreation at the Alzheimer Society.
Other virtual programming includes Music and Art therapy, sing along concerts, one to one counselling, support groups, and more. The Alzheimer Society says they need the help of the community to be able to continue offering these programs virtually.
“For most charities, donations are down across the board this year, and such is the case for us as well,” said Lesley Kimble, Fundraising and Volunteer Coordinator. “The Alzheimer Society has tried to offer some creative alternatives to the typical in-person fundraising activities, that allow people to socialize in a safe and fun way and to help raise money for the Society at the same time. We think that the move to Social with a Purpose fits the bill nicely, as does the Forget Me Not Family Photos opportunity.”
Social with a Purpose
Coffee Break, the traditional fall fundraiser of the Alzheimers Societies across Ontario, has been rebranded. Now called Social with a Purpose, these do-it-yourself virtual fundraisers promote the importance of socializing, staying in touch and building a strong positive relationship with friends, family, and community, according to the release.
“The Alzheimer Coffee Break had been one of our largest fundraisers of the year and the society has always received terrific support from the community for which we are very appreciative,” Kimble continued. “So we are hoping that the community will embrace the new Social with a Purpose concept and help to make this year memorable for many people, through their fundraising, but for a much better reason than just a pandemic. We challenge you to use your imagination!”
How are you staying connected during this time of physical distancing? Why not turn your weekly online card game with friends or book club video chat into a fundraiser? How about your girl’s night wine and cheese get together, or have a socially distanced yard sale where people can take what they like and leave a donation in lieu?
The Alzheimer Society KFLA is hoping you will make your connections more special and meaningful by turning your virtual get-together into a fundraiser to support those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in our community.
According to the release, one former coffee break host who always featured homemade cheesecake at her party is delivering a piece of cheesecake to everyone who donates this year to her Social with a Purpose. Turn your skills into a fun hosted event and ask for donations. If you aren’t ready to share your own skills, the Alzheimer Society has got you covered with easy to use digital kits to host your own Social with a Purpose fundraisers that you can invite your friends and family to join.
Available Kits Include: Paint Night for beginners or intermediates, Sing-a-long concerts, Date Night with cooking lessons for beginner or intermediate Chefs, as well as Collage Nights, Yoga Classes and more.
Local businesses are also invited to participate in the annual fundraiser by donating a percentage of their sales for a particular item or by allowing customers the option to round up purchases or make a larger donation at the cash, for a specified period of time.
To host your own Social with a Purpose fundraiser visit http://on.alz.to/socialwithapurpose. Once your event is registered, you will immediately receive a customized web page with a unique link to share and promote your Social with a Purpose fundraiser.
Should you need assistance setting up your Social with a Purpose event, contact Lesley at the Alzheimer Society KFLA: 613-544-3078, 1-800-266-7516 or [email protected]
World Alzheimer’s Day
In KFLA, the launch of Social with a Purpose will take place on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. According to the release, The City of Kingston, the Town of Greater Napanee and other municipalities in the region have officially proclaimed September 21 World Alzheimer’s Day and, in support of people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia in our community, McDonalds is once again donating a portion of every coffee sold to the Alzheimer Society of KFLA.
This is the fourth year the Alzheimer Society has partnered with local McDonalds for this fundraiser. According to the Society, the local McDonalds have previously donated 50 cents of every coffee from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., but this year Todd Shea, owner of the Kingston area McDonalds, and Dan Doyle, owner of the Napanee store, have agreed to extend that donation to coffees sold all day.
Due to COVID restrictions there will not be volunteers in drive-thrus or in store this year helping to raise awareness and collecting donations, so in lieu of donating loose change in person, the Alzhiemer Society is asking for donations online at www.alzheimers.ca/kfla.
The Alzheimer Society says they hope that residents throughout KFL&A will show their support by purchasing a coffee at a local McDonalds on Monday, Sept. 21, making a donation online and/or hosting or participating in a Social with a Purpose this fall.
Go Blue for Alzheimer’s
On World Alzheimer’s Day, Monday, Sept, 21, 2020, or anytime in September and October, help bring awareness to Alzheimer’s and other dementias by wearing a blue shirt.
The Society is urging friends and family to wear blue to show your support on World Alzheimers Day, or at whatever fall Social with a Purpose you partake in. Take a picture of yourself (with your coffee, on September 21), and/or with your virtual guests at your Social with a Purpose. Post your pictures on social media using the hashtag #BeBlueforAlz and be sure to share them on Facebook and tag Alzheimers KFLA.
Photograph your Family Bubble
The Alzheimer Society is offering Forget Me Not Family Portraits again this year, but in social distance style.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, photographer Rob Mooy will make a visit to family homes to photograph families in their own space; on the porch, the deck or in your yard, (inside only in inclement weather). These visits will be limited to the Kingston area due to time limitations for travel between homes.
If your family bubble is gathering for Thanksgiving, a professional photograph would make a great holiday gift. All proceeds from these photo sessions will help the Alzheimer Society KFLA continue to offer the programs and services they provide in four different locations – Kingston, Napanee, Sharbot Lake and Northbrook.
In the Napanee area, portraits will be taken on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, and will be done in one location (to be shared at time of booking.) The location will provide an outdoor backdrop with the option of a covered area, in case of inclement weather. The Napanee session is open to anyone from the KFLA region.
Portraits cost $75 per family for a 20 minute photo session. They will be scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on both days. Families will receive a link to a minimum of 12 digital photos and a certificate for free 5 x 7 photo with 20 % off processing fees. The pictures are downloadable, and families can do with them what they wish.
Bookings can be made by emailing Lesley Kimble at [email protected] or calling at 613-544-3078.
For more information on these or other fundraising activities, contact the Alzheimer Society at 613-544-3078.