First Awareness fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society in Sharbot Lake

Jan 14, 2010

“Sometimes we miss being important, miss being needed…”

“I’m afraid of losing contact, she’s the only one that understands me, and I’m hard to understand…”

“I feel very foolish when I’m wandering around not knowing what I am doing and I’m not always sure how to do it any better…”

January is Alzheimer's Awareness month and to celebrate the fact, the Sharbot Lake branch of the Alzheimer's Society of KFL&A will be holding its first ever Awareness month fundraiser since the society opened its office in April at the Sharbot Lake Seniors Centre.

Event organizer Candace Bertrim, who works for the Alzheimer Society and for Northern Frontenac Community Services, explained that the event is geared “to bring awareness and support to local clients and caregivers who are affected by the disease.”

This is a reminder that the event will take place tomorrow night, Friday Jan. 15 at St. James Major Catholic Church in Sharbot Lake. It will begin at 6:00pm with a wine and cheese meet and greet.

There will be live musical performances by Sisters of the Drum, and local singer Debbie Barkley of Parham. Alzheimer’s Society president Patti Medora-Dixon will also be speaking.

At 7:00pm the film “I’m Still Here” will be shown. Candace describes it as a “very moving and true perspective of the disease and what our clients and caregivers go through“.

Following the film auctioneer Garry Drew will auction off a collection of donated art works by an array of local artisans.

All funds raised will be used towards the Alzheimer’s Support program in the local community. Tickets are $20, of which $10 is eligible for a charitable receipt. They are available through the Alzheimer’s Society SL (270-9355), and at Rural Routes Transportation (279-2044) and Northern Frontenac Community Services (279-3151).

Also, on Wednesday January 27, there will be a special Caregiver Alzheimers Afternoon with guest presenter Christopher Wynn, and a documentary “Forgetful But Not Forgotten”, from 1-3pm, at the United Church Hall Sharbot Lake. DVDs will be on sale. All are welcome.