Alzheimer Society supporters walk to remember
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Michael J Brethour
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EMC News -Belleville - The Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Hastings was hoping for a hat trick in fund raising and they got exactly that. 
Michael J Brethour, Belleville EMC
The dedication to Aunt Bun on memory lane is the inspiration for Marilyn McNamara, the highest fund raiser for many years who this year raised over $9,000 for Walk For Memories by herself.
"We are riding high on this success," commented local chapter executive director Laura Hare on the astounding total of $54,000 the society reached last Sunday morning.
The total exceeded the projected goal of $50,000.
The society is due to celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, Hare noted the fund-raising success was a great way to start off the year and to demonstrate the community's support behind the society.
"When we have success at fund raising, it allows us to deliver those programs and services better. Those are our fund raisers, the people that have received services from us. There are a lot of caregivers here today, they have experienced dementia and are telling us what we do is important and we hear the message loud and clear," she said.
Tracey Redner-Dath who walked for her dad Gord Redner, who was diagnosed with the disease seven years ago, was a testament to Hare's statement.
"He is not the man he was, he is just ... he is just there, she said. "He was a big strong loving man with a big heart that would do anything for anybody no matter what," she said.
When asked why she was there surrounded by family and friends walking around the Bay View Mall last Sunday morning Redner-Dath answered simply that she walked in the hopes that others in her family would not be afflicted with the disease and she walks and supports the society in her father's name.
"He was an amazing man and I love him and I would not want to have this happen to anybody else, to go through losing a loved one gradually like we have," she said with her voice breaking. "I'm doing this for my dad, to fight for him, because I know he would fight for me."
Hare noted the crowd from this year's walk was a record one, a trend she hopes continues in the future. But the final numbers have yet to come in noted Hare, who said the number may change later this week.
"There is always a couple of thousand dollars that come in afterwards, often it is because of your reporting on the event," she said.
The Alzheimer Society Walk for Memories is the largest fund-raising event in the province dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds for vital programs and services that support people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
The next fund raiser for the society is the Shaken Not Stirred event which is all but sold out in March. Then April is the Lunch To Remember featuring a live auction and guest speaker Elizabeth Manley.
For more information on the society's services or to volunteer call the society's main office at 613-962-0892 or 1-800-361-8036, or visit
< www.alzking.com>.
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