The Alzheimer Society has launched their annual Coffee Break campaign to help raise awareness and donations to help those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Drumheller residents are asked to take part in a cup of coffee for a worthy cause.
“The Coffee Break is basically what is sounds like. It’s an opportunity for “It’s an opportunity for somebody to have coffee in their house, work, church, community centres and invite your family, friends, or co-workers for coffee,” said Jan Fogarty, Manager of Community Relations for the Alzheimer Society, central region. “Any kind of support I can give to somebody wanting to do a Coffee Break, I will.”
In the Coffee Break, residents can host the do-it-yourself fundraiser at home, at work, or wherever they choose, and collect donations for the Alzheimer Society. The Society provides all the needed materials.
The Coffee Break campaign is the largest for the Alzheimer Society. The money will go towards programs to help those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia and their families.
The campaign also promotes socializing, which can play a major role in the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“There is research showing socialization and having an active social life will help reduce the risk or push back the onset of Alzheimer’s,” said Fogarty.“ It’s one of those things that’s hard to track, because there is a stigma attached to Alzheimer’s and dementia. People don’t really want to talk about it or bring it up. People have trouble getting their loved ones to go to a doctor to get assessed. The more you get it talked about, the more it gets out there, and hopefully we can start breaking down that stigma.”
The Alzheimer Society doesn’t have any programs in the Drumheller area, but that could change if enough interest is shown.
“If people let us know there is a need for it, we certainly would [expand programs in the Drumheller area]. We haven’t had a lot of interaction with the Drumheller area as of yet, but I would love to change that,” said Fogarty.
To host a Coffee Break, contact Fogarty at 403-346-4636 or by emailing jfogarty@alzheimer.ab.ca.
