TORONTO, April 25, 2018 /CNW/ – The Alzheimer Society is pleased to welcome Investors Group as its first-ever national title sponsor for the Walk for Alzheimer’s, the Society’s annual nationwide fundraiser. Each year, enthusiastic walkers come together for a common goal: to raise vital funds for local programs and services, which will help individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Last year, more than 25,000 participants in more than 250 walks raised over $4.9 million in communities across Canada. Starting in May and continuing throughout the month of June, the newly branded Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s will mobilize thousands of Canadians to walk in communities across the country.
More than half a million Canadians live with dementia today. In less than 15 years, this number will increase to 937,000. Costs for people with dementia are estimated to be 5.5 times greater than those who do not have the condition. Home care and long-term care are the largest contributors to direct costs.
“Investors Group is proud to support the Alzheimer Society and their outstanding efforts to improve the quality of life for Canadian families living with dementia,” says Jeff Carney, President and CEO of Investors Group and IGM Financial. “We all know someone touched by this disease. Through our clients, we see first-hand the emotional and financial challenges this critical health issue presents for families. I know our employees and financial advisors across the country look forward to making these walks a success, delivering funds and advice to Canadians in need.”
Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment to delay or stop the disease. That’s why it’s imperative to ensure funding for programs, services and resources that will help those affected to live as independently as possible, and with the highest quality of life.
“On behalf of our Alzheimer Society partners across the country, I’m very excited to welcome Investors Group as the new national title sponsor for the Walk for Alzheimer’s,” says Pauline Tardif, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of Canadians living with dementia. With Investor Group’s support, we’re able to grow our walk and reach more Canadians with dementia who need our help.”
Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s is a great opportunity for communities to rally against dementia and show their support for friends, families and neighbours who are impacted, as well as spark more conversation about a disease that is affecting increasing numbers of Canadians.
To learn more and sign up for the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s in your community, visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca
About the Alzheimer Society
The Alzheimer Society is Canada’s leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Active in communities across Canada, the Society provides information, programs and services, and raises funds for research to better understand the causes of dementia, improve treatment and care and to find cures.
About Investors Group
Founded in 1926, Investors Group is a national leader in delivering personalized financial solutions to Canadians through a network of Consultants located across Canada. In addition to an exclusive family of mutual funds and other investment vehicles, Investors Group offers a wide range of insurance, securities, mortgage and other financial services. Investors Group is a member of the IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM) group of companies.
SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada
For further information: Media contacts: Rosanne Meandro, Director of Communications, Direct: 416-847-8920, Mobile: 416-669-5715, rmeandro@alzheimer.ca, www.alzheimer.ca; Investors Group: Trish Tervit, 416-967-2166, trish.tervit@igmfinancial.com
