Put Your Mind To It! Making a difference can be as simple as a cup of coffee

    
    Alzheimer Society Coffee Break(R) supporting critical programs and
    services
    

TORONTO , Sept. 17 /CNW/ - Today the Alzheimer Society gives greater meaning to your daily dose of caffeine. By purchasing a cup of coffee during the Alzheimer Coffee Break(R) fundraiser you will be supporting critical programs and services for the half million Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

The Alzheimer Society hopes to raise $1.5 million during the event's 14th year, money that will help to support people with the dementia, their caregivers and families.

"The time to act has never been more important," says Debbie Benczkowski, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer Society of Canada . "According to new statistics released by the Alzheimer Society, the number of Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia will more than double within a generation. Coffee Break(R) is a great way to help us ensure that everyone touched by this disease has access to support, information and education through one of our 140 chapters across Canada ."

Coffee Breaks are happening across Canada in communities big and small. Some can be found in retail outlets, and others in schools or individual's homes. At some Coffee Breaks, people can make a donation in exchange for a paper cut-out.

There is also the option to donate online through the Coffee Break(R) Cyber Café. This is an excellent option for people who can't participate in a traditional Coffee Break(R), but still want to support the cause. The Cyber Café allows people to set up a personalized web page to collect funds online in exchange for a 'virtual' cup of coffee. All proceeds go directly to the Alzheimer Society. Visit www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca to create your page today.

Coffee Break(R) events not only help to raise funds, but also help to raise awareness about the disease. There are things we can all do to help ease the impact of dementia, including making donations to support the work of the Alzheimer Society, raising our voice to this country's parliamentarians, and doing the things we can to help reduce our own risk of developing dementia.

The Society thanks Bulk Barn Foods Limited, The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Giant Tiger Stores Limited, Pacrim Hospitality Incorporated and Kent for their support as sponsors for the annual event. Also, central to the event are the gifts-in-kind provided by Sara Lee Foodservice.

Please visit www.alzheimer.ca for more information.

About Coffee Break(R)

Coffee Break(R) is the Alzheimer Society's nationwide fundraising event. The event has raised approximately $11 million in support of local programs and services since it began in 1996, with more than $1.27 million in 2008 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: Patricia Wilkinson, Manager, Media and Government Relations, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Office: 1-800-616-8816 or [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]