Local men to swim across Lake Ontario to raise awareness
TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Seven local men will attempt a long distance swim across Lake Ontario to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The team will be launching their swim at Niagara-on-the-Lake on August 13, concluding on August 14 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 344 in Toronto (1395 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto) between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The journey will take twenty-two hours, during which time the team will confront challenges such as cold waters and nearly eight hours of darkness.
The "Swim to Remember" team has already raised more than $20,000 for the Alzheimer Society that will help fund research into the cause and cure and at the same time raise awareness. "We're extremely proud of these brave swimmers," says Cathy Barrick, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. "We wish them a safe and successful journey. The funds they raise will be used for research to improve the quality of care and life for Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and their families."
"My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's ten years ago," says Scott Keeling, speaking on behalf of the swimmers. "I wanted to help raise awareness and funds to honour her and work towards ending Alzheimer's for good. A great group of friends and peers, some of whose families have also be affected by the disease, decided to create a memorable fundraising experience. So far, the support we've received has been overwhelming."
In addition to Scott Keeling, the team includes:
For more information, please refer to the following resources:
Why does fundraising matter?
Today, over 43,000 people in Toronto are living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia and the numbers are rising. Community support is integral to meet their demands and provide the care they need.
About the Alzheimer Society of Toronto
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto provides free counselling, education and information to people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, their families and caregivers. We deliver specialized training and professional development for frontline health-care providers, as well as public education and awareness events. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's disease.
SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Ontario
Video with caption: "Swim to Remember - In support of Alzheimer's". Video available at: https://youtu.be/dLT0arEcCok
or to book an interview with the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, please contact: Tina Barduhn, Director, Community Engagement, Alzheimer Society of Toronto, 416-640-6320, [email protected], www.alz.to, Facebook: Alzheimer Society of Toronto, Twitter: @AlzToronto
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