Community invited to do ‘Anything for Alzheimer’s’ this fall
The Alzheimer Society of KFLA is launching their annual fall fundraising campaign “Anything for Alzheimer’s” with a Coffee Day at McDonald’s on Friday, September 30, 2022. This marks a return of many in-person events for this annual fundraiser, formerly known as the “Alzheimer Coffee Break,” which encourages local communities, businesses, organizations and individuals to help raise funds for their local Society and to help promote awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
On Friday, all McDonald’s throughout Kingston and Napanee will donate 50 cents from every coffee sold that day to the local Alzheimer Society. In addition, Alzheimer’s staff and volunteers will be on hand at most locations accepting donations in the restaurants and drive-thru’s, according to a release from the society.
“It has been three years since many of these events have been held due to public health protocols, so we are thrilled to be able to help promote in-person activities once again but at the same time, allow for virtual access for those who are not yet comfortable getting out to social activities!” said Lesley Kimble, Fundraiser for the Society.
Those who wish to host a fundraiser this year may still choose to organize an event, according to the release. Hosts can run an Alzheimer Coffee Break, or host an event in honour or in memory of someone, in what the Society calls a ‘Social with a Purpose’. This could be a silent auction, a yard sale, a concert, a run, a paint night, a bake sale – in short, they can do ‘Anything for Alzheimers’!
The Alzheimer Society said that it is happy to offer support with promotional posters and social media assistance, guest speakers, and even volunteers if needed. Events can be hosted virtually by registering at Anything for Alzheimers. For in-person events, contact your local Society office at 613-544-3078 ext. 204. A hybrid version is also available to accommodate both virtual and in-person fundraising.
This year, the Alzheimer Society announced that North Roast Coffee, a local Roastery, is a new sponsor of the fall campaign. According to the release, they have donated coffee that will be part of the kit provided to fundraisers serving refreshments. This coffee was created especially for the Alzheimer Society under the name “Forget Me Not” blend, and will also be available to the general public to purchase by the pound, but only through the Society.
“If you are a coffee drinker, or if you are looking for a unique gift for a coffee drinker – a birthday gift, a stocking stuffer, or a thank you to a friend or caregiver – then why not buy the Forget Me Not Blend!” the Society said. “The coffee sells for $16 a pound – ground or beans – with $5 from each sale going directly to the Society. We suggest you call ahead to ensure we have fresh coffee on hand (we will restock as needed) and at least two days in advance if you wish to purchase larger amounts.”
On the weekend of October 22 and 23, the Society will once again host their popular Forget Me Not photo sessions. These mini photo sessions are intended for families to capture precious family moments, according to the release. Taken in a local outdoor setting (with an alternate indoor location in the event of inclement weather) the 20-minute photo sessions are done by local photographer Rob Mooy, with all proceeds going directly to the Alzheimer Society.
The sessions cost $80 per family or group, which includes all of the photos in digital format, to process as they wish, as well as a free 5×7 of your choice and 20 per cent off photo processing, compliments of Camera Kingston. This event has also been made possible with the generous support of the James Reid Funeral Home, Crematorium and Reception Centre. The Society recommends booking your photoshoot now before time slots are full, by contacting the Alzheimer Society at 613-544-3078 ext. 204 or by emailing [email protected].
Additional photo days can be arranged as required. Anyone who is interested but unable to make those days, is asked to contact the Society, and they may be able to make accommodations. Photo sessions may also be arranged for other interested LTC or Retirement facilities or groups at a location of their choice, by calling the Society directly.
The proceeds of all the fall fundraisers will stay in our area to support local programs and services offered by the Society through three offices located in Kingston, Napanee and Northbrook. According to the release, these programs support not only those diagnosed, but their caregivers and families as well.
“If you, or a person you love (even if they don’t live locally) lives with Dementia, making the call to the local Society may be the lifeline you need! We offer one-to-one and family counselling, client and caregiver support groups, recreational programs and social outings, a resource and technology lending library, and other services that can help people to live well and safely, throughout their dementia journey,” the Alzheimer Society shared.
Visit the Society’s website or contact them at 613-544-3078 ext. 201 to find out how they can help others to live well with dementia.