Alzheimer Society Coffee Break® celebrates 15 years of successful fundraising
Purchase a cup of coffee today in support of Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease!
TORONTO, Sept. 16 /CNW/ - Today, hundreds of people across the nation have made the commitment to make their "coffee count" and are drinking a cup of coffee to raise funds in support of Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. This marks 15 years' of successful grassroots fundraising by the Alzheimer Society, raising over $12 million in support of essential programs and services for people with dementia, their families and caregivers.
This year, on the event's 15th anniversary, the Alzheimer Society has set a goal of $1.5 million, a significant increase over last year. "With the help and support of all our returning and new Coffee Break® supporters, we can do it!" says Debbie Benczkowski, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
"Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired. Even simple everyday tasks that we take for granted, like making a cup of coffee, can become impossible." says Dr Jack Diamond, Scientific Director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
"Fundraisers like the Alzheimer Coffee Break® help make sure that the 500,000 Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia will have access to the information and programs they need," adds Mary Schulz, Director, Information, Support Services and Education at the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Over the past 15 years, Coffee Break® events have taken on various looks, styles and locations. They are held in communities from coast-to-coast and can be found in retail stores, businesses, schools or an individual's home. Anyone can make a donation to the Society in exchange for a cup of coffee, or purchase a paper cut-out of a coffee cup to show their support.
"In January 2010, we launched the full report, Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, that shows a looming crisis with the number of Canadians with dementia increasing by up to 50 per cent within just the next five years, says Benczkowski. "We must act now. Raising funds through Coffee Breaks is now more important than ever."
If you don't have time to visit a Coffee Break® location in your community (a list is available online), but you personally want to make a difference, there is always the option to donate online through the Coffee Break® cyber café. Visit www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca and set up a personalized web page to collect funds online in exchange for a 'virtual' cup of coffee or make a direct donation to the Coffee Break® program. All donations go straight to the Alzheimer Society.
Alzheimer Coffee Breaks help raise awareness about the disease and what people can do to reduce their risk of developing dementia. The event also highlights the Society's efforts to gain government support in developing a pan-Canadian dementia strategy; however we cannot do it alone. We need your voice and your support. Send an email or letter to your Member of Parliament or the Minister of Health and together, we will continue to be a powerful force for change.
The Alzheimer Society thanks sponsors Bulk Barn Foods Ltd, Giant Tiger Stores Ltd, Kent Building Supplies Ltd, Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc and Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee Inc. for their in-kind support.
Please visit www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca for more information.
About Coffee Break®
Coffee Break® is the Alzheimer Society's nationwide fundraising event. The event has raised approximately $12 million in support of local programs and services since it began in 1996, with more than $1.3 million in 2009 alone.
About the Alzheimer Society
The Alzheimer Society is the leading, nationwide health organization for people affected by dementia in Canada. The Society is a principal funder of Alzheimer research and training, provides enhanced care and support to people with the disease, their families and their caregivers, and is a prominent voice within all levels of government. Active in more than 140 communities across Canada, the Society is also a key player in Alzheimer's Disease International, an organization at the forefront of world wide efforts to fight dementia. For more information, please visit www.alzheimer.ca.
For further information:
Tara Maher
Acting Coordinator, Communications & Development
Alzheimer Society of Canada
Mobile: 416.669.5715 - Office: 1.800.616.8816 or 416.847.2973
[email protected]
www.alzheimer.ca
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