Alzheimer Society hosts Canada's biggest Coffee Break® to raise funds for Alzheimer support
TORONTO, September 15, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Alzheimer Society is encouraging Canadians to take part in the country's largest Coffee Break® on September 15, 2011.
Held every September, from Vancouver to Toronto to Halifax and points in between, Coffee Break events raise funds in exchange for a cup of coffee. Donations support Alzheimer Society programs and services that improve the quality of life of individuals and their families living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Anyone can host a Coffee Break - friends, families, or corporations - at home, at work or other public venue. This year's goal is $1.5 million.
"For many Canadians living with this devastating disease, the Alzheimer Society is their lifeline," says Andrea Grimm, Chief Fund Development Officer at the Alzheimer Society. "We provide practical support, training and information in communities across Canada, while our programs make a tremendous difference to the individuals and families living with dementia. We're encouraging Canadians to get involved and spread the word so we can help even more people with this disease."
Demand for these services is steadily climbing as the number of Canadians with dementia surges. An estimated 1.1 million Canadians will be affected by 2038. This number does not take into account thousands of caregivers who already clock a staggering 231 million hours a year in unpaid care. Burgeoning baby boomers will compound this trend. The risk for the disease doubles every five years after age 65.
While Coffee Break officially kicks off September 15, participants can host their event any time during the month and into October, and can be as simple or elaborate as they like, from organizing corporate challenges to holding trivia nights, to staging events at local coffee shops or shopping malls.
Those interested can also donate by purchasing Coffee Break decals from this year's campaign supporters: Bulk Barn, from September 7 through 22, and Kent Building Supplies, throughout September.
For registration, tips and information on how to get started, visit www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca
About Coffee Break
Coffee Break® is the Alzheimer Society's largest nationwide fundraising event. Since launching in 1996, it has raised more than $13 million. Funds remain in local provinces and communities. The Alzheimer Society thanks Bulk Barn and Kent Building Supplies for their generous support and Mother Parkers for their in-kind contribution.
About Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a fatal brain disease that progressively impacts memory, speech and behaviour. Eventually those affected will become dependent on others for every aspect of their care. The disease can start to develop 10 to 20 years before symptoms appear. Age is still a major risk factor, but the disease can also strike people in their 50s and 40s.
About the Alzheimer SocietyThe Alzheimer Society is the leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Active in more than 150 communities across Canada, the Society offers Help for Today through our programs and services for people living with dementia and Hope for Tomorrow… ® by funding research to find the cause and the cure.
