Alzheimer’s fundraiser raises dollars & awareness

Jan 21, 2010

Photo: Marcel Giroux, Patti Dixon-Medora and Candace Bertrim

Hats off to those who came out to support the Sharbot Lake branch of the Alzheimer’s Society and to Candace Bertrim who organized the first time event.

The evening which included a wine and cheese meet and greet, musical entertainment, and a live art auction as well as a showing of the film “I’m Still Here“, raised funds that will directly benefit clients, their families and caregivers in the local community.

Patti Dixon-Medora, board chair for the Alzheimer’s Society of KFL&A, personally thanked the passionate efforts of Candace Bertrim who single-handedly provides clients, their families and caregivers with all the services the KFL&A’s Alzheimer’s Society offers. Also thanked was new board member Marcel Giroux, whose presence on the board goes a long way in making the needs of local clients known.

The evening was not only a fundraiser for local programs, it was also an important educational opportunity for those unfamiliar with the disease and the challenges it presents.

A recently published national report titled “The Rising Tide” states that currently one in 11 Canadians is affected by dementia and that every 5 minutes someone in Canada develops some form of a dementia-related illness.

Candace explained, “It is with these statistics in mind that we set up the new Alzheimer Society’s office in Sharbot Lake at the Seniors’ Centre. In doing so we are aiming to bring services to people in the community so that they can get help sooner and offset a lot of the problems that arise as the disease progresses.”

The film “I’m Still Here“ according to Candace was “incredibly well received by guests“. A research-based play developed in partnership with Dr. Gail Mitchell and Dr. Christine Jonas-Simpson the film makes very apparent the many issues facing those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Presented by actors, the film is based on a play and is told from the perspective of those living with dementia, their families and caregivers.

Following the film, Gary Drew entertained guests with a live auction, which lightened the mood. By the end of the evening a total of $1500 was raised for local Alzheimer services. Congratulations to Sharon Shepherd, who took home the original painting donated by Daphne Gardiner, and to Rosemarie Bowick who took home the gorgeous quilt donated by Quilter's Choice.

Many thanks from Candace to all of the volunteers and donors who made this year’s first-ever Alzheimer Awareness month fundraiser a noteworthy success.

There are two other upcoming awareness month events. On Jan 27 at the Senior’s Centre in Sharbot Lake from 1-3pm there will be a talk called “Forgetful but not Forgotten” with guest speaker Christopher Wynn. On January 31 the “Walk for Memories” fundraiser will take place at the Cataraqui Town Centre in Kingston.

Donations can still be made at the local Alzheimer’s Society Sharbot Lake office at 613-279-9355.