Grab your runners and walk or roll down to Selkirk’s Alzheimer’s Walk on June 4
The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is once again running its annual walks through the province, and this year, Selkirk and area residents will be heading out on June 4 to support those with Alzheimer’s or dementia in our community for the Selkirk IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
Grab your gear and head out for Selkirk’s Alzheimer’s Walk on June 4. Pictured: Last year’s walk
“The Walk for Alzheimer’s is our biggest annual fundraiser, all in support of the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, and for those impacted by dementia, whether that be their care partners, their friends and family, or those that are living with dementia themselves,” said Samantha Holland, Selkirk’s First Link Regional Team Lead for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
The walk takes place on June 4, and residents will be meeting up outside of the Gordon Howard Centre towards the Selkirk waterfront to head on a walk to Selkirk Park.
“We’re going to have a check-in and barbecue starting at 5:30 p.m., and then the walk itself kicks off at 6:30 p.m.,” said Holland.
Raising awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia is very important because almost everyone will know someone who has been affected by these conditions.
“It can happen to anyone, and we know that more and more people every day are diagnosed. In Manitoba alone, we have over 20,000 individuals living with some form of dementia, and those are just the ones we know about. Those are the ones that have sought assessment or seen their doctor and received a diagnosis, but there’s so many more, and the numbers keep growing,” explained Holland.
In addition to raising funds, it’s important to host this walk every year in Selkirk to get people talking more about dementia and especially to have more people know there are local resources that can help.
“I speak to people who often say, I wish I knew about your services when I was a caregiver, and the walk is that perfect stage to showcase the great work that we do and spread awareness that there are supports available close to home, and it’s a positive introduction to our staff and volunteers for those who are just starting out,” said Holland.
In addition to all the good the walk does, it’s also a great time to show people in our community who have dementia that they are still important community members and that we care.
“Every year in Selkirk, this event grows, and we’re hoping that this year will be our biggest so that those impacted really feel supported in their own community, and that’s really special. It’s always so great to see everyone in their blue t-shirts cheering and being so positive around something that is quite scary,” said Holland.
For those who have done the walk before, it will be similar to past events with a pleasant route and, if all goes to plan, hopefully pleasant weather to match.
“We are going to be walking towards Selkirk Park again. Our walk route is and always has been accessible for all ages and abilities, so we encourage whole families to come out, bring your pets, join in. Even if you don’t plan to walk, we’re going to have yard games set up to enjoy throughout the evening, and on the walk itself, we can expect the Manitoba Métis Federation’s Minister of Culture and Heritage, Bucky Anderson, and his Métis Music Van to lead the way again and fill our walk with really awesome fiddle music,” said Holland.
Her favourite part of the event is walking and feeling the support from the community.
“We just kick off and start walking as we pass by the houses and apartments and buildings, people are waving and honking and cheering, and you just feel like you’re part of something bigger,” said Holland.
Residents are encouraged to register for the walk before the event.
“(You can register) either online at alzheimer.mb.ca or by dropping by the Gordon Howard Center to fill out a paper registration form. Then those who raise $75 will receive an official walk t-shirt on the night of, and we hope that those who’ve participated in the past will wear theirs again,” said Holland.
She hopes to see everyone who wants to participate in the walk.
“With this event, there’s really something for everyone, and I think people who haven’t participated before will be surprised to see how many people in the community show up and participate and maybe have had a family member impacted or are currently on the dementia journey. It’s just a really special event for everyone to come together,” said Holland.
She also wanted to thank sponsors Aaron’s NoFrills for providing food for the barbecue and the Mighty Kiwi, who has made them their chosen charity for their May smoothie of the month, so $1 from every Dreamsicle smoothie sold goes to supporting the walk and the Alzheimer Society.
To learn more about local dementia resources and get some great information about dementia and Alzheimer’s, visit alzheimer.mb.ca.
