Canadians Help Raise Critical Funds To Support Those With Alzheimer's Disease

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 25 Sep 2007 - 16:00 PDT

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With a goal of raising $1.25 million, Canadians coast to coast are drinking their coffee in support of those touched by Alzheimer's disease.

Coffee Break™, the Alzheimer Society's nationwide fundraiser, was kicked off in communities across the country, helping raise money for critical programs and services for people with Alzheimer's disease, their caregivers and their families.

"Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness that eventually affects all aspects of a person's life, including how they think, feel, act and react to their environment," says Scott Dudgeon, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Thanks to the money raised through our Coffee Break events, we are able to provide help and hope to the hundreds of thousands of Canadians affected by this disease."

Coffee Break events are featured at thousands of individual locations across the country. Participants at each make a donation to the Alzheimer Society in exchange for a cup of coffee, or purchase a paper cut-out of a coffee cup to show their support. Coffee Breaks are unique to each location, and can take place anywhere: retail stores, businesses, care facilities, schools and even in people's homes.

"More than ever we are learning about the importance of staying socially connected, and how it can help to keep our brains healthy," says Dr. Jack Diamond, scientific director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "In this way, a Coffee Break event is not only helping to raise funds for Alzheimer Society programs and services, but is also encouraging healthy brain behaviour for thousands of Canadians."

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias affect an estimated 450,000 Canadians, or 1 in every 13 Canadians over the age of 65. This number is expected to increase dramatically as the population ages. Presently, there is no known cure for the disease.

The Alzheimer Society thanks gold sponsor Joey's Only Seafood Restaurants, and silver sponsors Pfizer Canada Inc. and Creative Memories for their support. Appreciation is also extended to generous in-kind sponsor Sara Lee Corporation, and to the many retailers accepting coffee cup cut-outs.

http://www.alzheimer.ca