Alzheimer Calgary’s 30th annual walk and run gathers hundreds of people
Posted Oct 9, 2023 1:33 pm.
Last Updated Oct 9, 2023 1:35 pm.
Hundreds came together to run Sunday morning in Calgary’s Princes Island Park to raise awareness and funds to support families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The 30th annual IG Wealth Management Alzheimer Walk and Run saw nearly 1,500 people in the run, and over 100 volunteers helping out, according to Barb Ferguson, the executive director of Alzheimer Calgary.
“This is our best coming turn out since COVID happened,” she told CityNews.
“It was so much fun and the atmosphere is awesome!”
Everyone gathered since early morning at Princes Island Park on Saturday to run and walk for the same purpose, including Joal Finkbeiner, who runs with his entire family.
“We do this every year with our entire family during Thanksgiving, it’s become a tradition,” he said.
“And on both sides of our family, we’ve had grandparents who suffered from dementia so it’s a great opportunity to spend time as a family and support something that means a lot to us and has had a big impact on our lives.”
Support a cause and enjoy the moment
Also at the event were some avid runners who just wanted to do it for a good cause, to enjoy the beautiful weather, and to share in the moment.
“It’s been more family-oriented, lots more fun, less serious, so that’s always good to get more people out,” Rianne McHugh told CityNews.
“It was so much fun and the atmosphere is awesome,” Kelly Keats said.
The message behind it all is to ensure people living with dementia have access to the help they need.
“We really want to convey a message that you still can live life well,” Ferguson explained.
“A person who has dementia can still be creative, they can still be active in their communities and you can still have a relationship with someone even if they have a dementia diagnosis.”
According to Alzheimer Calgary, the run raised over 225 thousand dollars for their cause.
