Alzheimer Society invites North Shore hikers to Grouse Mountain tomorrow

With dementia on the rise, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. has launched its fall fundraiser, the Climb for Alzheimer’s, to help support people on the North Shore and around B.C. who are living with the disease. An estimated 85,000 people – almost two out of three British Columbians – are living with the disease, an alarming statistic that is expected to triple in the next 30 years.

To show people affected by dementia they don’t have to face the uphill journey alone, the Climb for Alzheimer’s on Sept. 24 will bring together hundreds of supporters as they take 2,830 steps of courage up the legendary Grouse Grind® in North Vancouver.

The Society invites residents to bring their network together to hike, donate and share courage with people affected by dementia.

“We’re thrilled to be returning to Grouse Mountain once again for the Climb,” says Cathryn France, Director of Resource Development the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “It’s a deeply symbolic event because it’s really challenging, and it’s our way of showing people living with dementia that they do not have to face this uphill journey alone. We’re building a community of courage, and there is help and support available.”

Funds raised at the Climb will help the Society provide vital programs and services for people affected by the disease.

For Aaron Craven, whose parents were both diagnosed with dementia at the same time, the idea of a community of courage carries lots of meaning. “When I think of courage, I think of the family members and loved ones surrounding the person with dementia, who each have to go on the journey in their own way – but in an equally profound way as the person next to them.”

Participants can register as individuals or a team, and are encouraged to invite friends, family and coworkers to share courage with those in our community living with dementia. People who would like to participate but find the Grouse Grind too strenuous are welcome to join the Summit Stroll. The gondola can accommodate strollers and mobility aids, and participants can visit the exhibits at the peak and cheer on climbers finishing the Grind. To register or donate to the event, visit climbforalzheimers.ca

For questions about dementia or memory loss – or to connect to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s programs and services – call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information and support is also available in Punjabi (1-833-674-5003) and in Cantonese or Mandarin (1-833-674-5007), available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.