B.C. hikers lace up for the 10th annual Climb for Alzheimer’s

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Hikers from across B.C. are lacing up for the 10th annual Climb for Alzheimer’s.

The event is put on by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. with a mix of in-person and virtual event this year.

British Columbians are encouraged to hike wherever they feel comfortable, but people are also encouraged to tackle the Grouse Grind on September 19.

Funds are being raised from September 1-21, ending on World Alzheimer’s Day with a goal of raising $75,000.

Jen Lyle is the CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and says your dollar will go a lot further this year.

“We actually have a generous anonymous donor who will match every dollar donated online, up to $25,000 from now until September 21, so it’s a great way to support a good cause, and also double your impact.”

Lyle adds, the pandemic has compounded the uphill battle for people and their families living with dementia, but the problem of isolation isn’t relegated to long term care.

“The pandemic has taken an outsized toll on people living with dementia, but on top of that, this past summer we had to deal with the upheaval caused by wildfires, facing many communities in the interior.”

In addition to raising money, the Alzheimer Society of B.C also stresses the importance making sure loved ones and those living with dementia have a community to help them through the challenges with the disease.

“We have about 70,000 people in British Columbia who are living with dementia, and the majority of those people actually live in our communities,” Lyle explains.

“It’s such a meaningful cause to put your sweat behind because the funds raised through the Climb for Alzheimer’s are going to help the Alzheimer’s Society B.C. provide essential programs and services for people who are affected by dementia.”

This is Malik’s third #ClimbForAlzheimers, and he is the top event fundraiser, having raised over $6,600. Malik climbs in honour of his wife, Gerryann, who six years ago was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Read their story at https://t.co/pMRsAc6DQn.

— Alzheimer Society of B.C. (@AlzheimerBC) September 16, 2021

For those who want to meet up to climb together, the main in-person events will be the Grouse Grind on Sunday September 19.

You can find out more information on the Alzheimer Society of B.C. at climbforalzheimers.ca.