More info: The Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds and Grenville
The Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville has been nominated by Sue and Linda. We have both witnessed close friends experience the devastating effects of dementia, and this has made us deeply passionate about strengthening community care in our region.
The Society is a registered charitable organization serving Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville. This year, it proudly celebrates 40 years of providing essential, compassionate community support. Any donation made today will be directed specifically to the Day Away Program, which operates twice weekly in Brockville.
The Day Away Program is a professionally supervised social program for individuals living with Alzheimer disease or related dementias. It offers participants a safe, engaging group environment while they continue to live at home, and provides much-needed respite for family caregivers.
This program helps participants maintain their physical, cognitive, and social abilities while reducing loneliness and isolation. Most importantly, it allows them to remain in their own homes longer and preserve their confidence and self-esteem.
Activities include:
Physical exercise such as walking, chair exercises, floor hockey, and dance
Intellectual engagement through games, crafts, and scrapbooking
Social connection with music therapy, gardening, and community outings
Participants also receive a nutritious lunch and snacks each day.
In Brockville alone, the program runs 95 days per year, serving up to 12 participants daily, totalling 2,280 visits. Despite its enormous impact, the Day Away Program receives no dedicated government funding and relies entirely on fundraising efforts, individual donations, and two signature events: “A Walk to Remember” in May and “The Red Dress Gala” in November.
Your donation tonight will directly support:
Educational resources for staff and family caregivers
Meals and snacks for participants
Activity supplies, equipment, and group outings
As mentioned, my close friend is now living with memory loss and cognitive decline. She once sat among all of you as an inaugural member of this wonderful organization. Today, group settings are overwhelming for her, and she would struggle to follow the presentations we enjoy. Her journey is a powerful reminder that dementia can affect any of us.
As Baby Boomers, many of us — along with our families and friends — will be touched by Alzheimer disease and related dementias. We must be proactive in ensuring programs like the Day Away Program continue to exist. Long-term care spaces alone will not be enough to meet the growing need.
Testimonials:
Elderly Wife - “I want to tell you how much A is enjoying his Mondays. He’s loving the company and the activities and always has something interesting to tell me when I pick him up.”
Daughter - “For me it’s a godsend, not only because I know he is enjoying it, but also because I can do my activities and not feel pressured that he is alone at home. I thank you most sincerely for what that program is giving both of us. You dear ladies running the program are all wonderful caring people whom we really appreciate!”
Please join Sue and I in supporting the Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville. Together, we can provide compassionate local care and a better quality of life for those living with dementia — and for the families who love them.
