Alzheimer Society https://alzda.ca/ Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:33:43 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 Pickleball with Purpose 2026 https://alzda.ca/pickleball-with-purpose-2026/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:14:55 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=36089

Pickleball with Purpose 2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Players of all skill levels came together on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for Pickleball with Purpose, a team pickleball tournament held at the Wentworth Sports Complex in Hamilton in support of the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton. The event welcomed teams for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and fundraising.

The tournament featured 25 teams competing across four divisions, with participants matched based on skill level to create an engaging and inclusive experience for everyone involved. With supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators cheering from the sidelines, the event highlighted the power of sport to bring people together for a shared cause.

Beyond the competition, Pickleball with Purpose helped raise awareness of dementia and the importance of supporting people living with dementia and their care partners throughout our community. Funds raised through registration, donations, and sponsorships will support local Alzheimer Society programs and services that provide education, connection, and support to families across the region.

The Alzheimer Society extends its sincere gratitude to the event organizers, players, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to the tournament’s success. Their enthusiasm and generosity helped make Pickleball with Purpose a memorable day both on and off the court.

Read more from the Alzheimer Society

]]> The Brant Juke Joint Shuffle 2026 https://alzda.ca/the-brant-juke-joint-shuffle-2026/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:30:13 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=36027

The Brant Juke Joint Shuffle 2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, music lovers from across the community gathered at the Brantford Polish Hall for the second annual Brant Juke Joint Shuffle, an afternoon and evening of outstanding blues music in support of the Alzheimer Society’s Music for Memory program.

Featuring performances by Little Bobby and the Jumpstarts, Julian Fauth, Easy Street Blues Band, Dwayne LaForme, and an all-star jam session, the event showcased the power of music to bring people together while supporting a meaningful cause.

Approximately 150 attendees enjoyed six hours of live entertainment, community spirit, and shared appreciation for the role music can play in enhancing quality of life for people living with dementia. Funds raised through the event will help support the Music for Memory program, which uses personalized music experiences to foster connection, spark memories, and bring moments of joy to people living with dementia.

The Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton extends its sincere thanks to the organizers, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who attended. Events like the Brant Juke Joint Shuffle demonstrate how a shared love of music can make a meaningful difference in our community.

Read more from the Alzheimer Society

]]> The David Hearn Foundation Charity Classic 2026 https://alzda.ca/the-david-hearn-foundation-charity-classic-2026/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:28:40 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35933

The David Hearn Foundation Charity Classic 2026

Monday, September 14, 2026

On Monday, September 14, 2026, golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters came together for the David Hearn Foundation Charity Classic, presented by Canso Investment Counsel, in support of the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton.

The annual tournament brought together participants for a memorable day of golf, community connection, and philanthropy. Through the generosity of everyone involved, the event raised more than $110,000 to support Alzheimer Society programs and services, with proceeds benefiting both local dementia support initiatives and the important work of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

The Alzheimer Society extends its sincere gratitude to the David Hearn Foundation, presenting sponsor Canso Investment Counsel, the event volunteers, and all those who attended and contributed. The local portion of the funds raised will help ensure that people living with dementia and their care partners across Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton have access to education, support programs, resources, and meaningful connections close to home.

Thank you for helping create a day that was about more than golf. It was about community, compassion, and making a meaningful impact.

Read more from the Alzheimer Society

]]> The “Forget Me Not” Golf Tournament 2026 https://alzda.ca/the-forget-me-not-golf-tournament-2026/ Sun, 23 Aug 2026 19:43:26 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35944

The “Forget Me Not” Golf Tournament

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters came together on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, for the 26th Annual Forget Me Not Golf Tournament at The Greens at Renton. Presented by Tyler Wright and supported by RTE Property Management & Services, the tournament welcomed participants for a day of golf, camaraderie, and community support benefiting the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton.

The event featured 18 holes of golf, lunch, dinner, prizes, and opportunities for participants to connect while helping raise awareness and support for people living with dementia and their care partners throughout our region. As one of the Society’s longstanding community fundraising events, the Forget Me Not Golf Tournament continues to bring people together around a shared commitment to making a difference.

The Alzheimer Society extends its heartfelt thanks to the tournament organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and golfers whose generosity and dedication made this event possible. Funds raised through the tournament help support local education, support services, and programs that enable people living with dementia and their families to access the resources they need close to home

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Read more from the Alzheimer Society

]]> Memories in an Hourglass 2026 https://alzda.ca/memories-in-an-hourglass-2026/ Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:58:44 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35935

Memories in an Hourglass 2026

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

The Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton is grateful for the incredible support shown at the 2026 Memories in an Hourglass Golf Tournament.

What began as a deeply personal initiative for tournament organizers Cathy and Paul has grown into a meaningful community event that brings people together to honour loved ones, create lasting memories, and support families affected by dementia.

This year’s tournament was filled with beautiful weather, friendly competition, great music, and countless moments of connection. Returning supporters and first-time participants alike came together to enjoy a memorable day on the course while raising awareness and funds for dementia support services.

The generosity of golfers, guests, sponsors, prize donors, volunteers, and community supporters resulted in a remarkable contribution of $11,500 to the Alzheimer Society. Since the tournament began, more than $59,000 has been raised to support programs and services that help people living with dementia and their care partners across our region.

Perhaps one of the most exciting moments of the day came when the organizers announced that the tournament will continue for years to come. Originally planned as the final Memories in an Hourglass event, the overwhelming support, encouragement, and enthusiasm shown by participants inspired Cathy and Paul to carry the tradition forward.

The tournament’s name, Memories in an Hourglass, serves as a reminder of how precious our memories and shared experiences are. Through their dedication and commitment, Cathy and Paul have created an event that not only raises important funds but also celebrates community, connection, and the importance of making memories with the people we love.

The Alzheimer Society extends its heartfelt thanks to Cathy and Paul, all event sponsors, volunteers, donors, golfers, and guests who helped make the day such a success. Your support is helping ensure that people living with dementia and their care partners can access education, support services, resources, and meaningful programs when they need them most.

Thank you for helping turn treasured memories into meaningful impact. We look forward to seeing Memories in an Hourglass continue to grow in the years ahead.

Read more from the Alzheimer Society

]]> “Alzheimer Society” Golf Tournament at Oak Gables 2026 https://alzda.ca/alzheimer-society-golf-tournament-at-oak-gables-2026/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:14:46 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35845

The Alzheimer Society Golf Tournament

in Honour of Stephen Ross 

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

The Alzheimer Society Golf Tournament in Honour of Stephen Ross brought community members, sponsors, and supporters together on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Oak Gables Golf Club in Ancaster for a day of golf and giving back. Held in honour of Stephen Ross, whose vision, dedication, and leadership served as the foundation of this tournament for many years, the event celebrated both his legacy and the community’s ongoing commitment to supporting people living with dementia and their care partners.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, the event raised $33,000 in support of programs and services provided by the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton. These funds will help ensure that people living with dementia and their care partners can access education, support, resources, and meaningful programs close to home.

The Alzheimer Society extends its sincere appreciation to the tournament organizers, sponsors, volunteers, golfers, and donors who made the day such a success. Their commitment and generosity continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families affected by dementia.

Read more from the Alzheimer Society

]]> IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s 2026 https://alzda.ca/ig-wealth-management-walk-for-alzheimers-2026/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:10:46 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35559

RAISED: $353,000

The Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton is proud to celebrate another incredible year of community support through the 2026 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

On Saturday, May 30, walkers gathered in Brantford, Jarvis, Hamilton, and Oakville to raise awareness and funds in support of people living with dementia and their care partners in our community.

A Beautiful Day Across All Four Communities

From start to finish, the day was filled with sunshine, energy, and connection. Parks and pathways were filled with teams, families, friends, and supporters—all walking with purpose and showing what it means to be part of a compassionate, dementia-friendly community.

Thank You to Our Community

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year’s Walk a success:

  • Our dedicated walkers and teams
  • Our generous sponsors, whose support made this event possible
  • The many volunteers who helped bring each location to life
  • And the local municipal leaders and government representatives who joined us in showing their support

Your presence, leadership, and commitment help strengthen awareness and ensure people living with dementia feel supported and understood.

$353,000 Raised:

$58,000 in Brantford

$77,000 in Hamilton

$117,000 in Halton

$101,000 in Haldimand Norfolk

Together, we raised $353,000 across our region.

This is more than a fundraising milestone—it represents meaningful impact. These funds will directly support local programs and services, including education, counselling, support groups, and wellness opportunities for people living with dementia and care partners.

Because of this collective effort, more individuals and families will have access to the support they need—close to home—when they need it most.

Looking Ahead

Every step taken at this year’s Walk helps build stronger, more inclusive communities where people living with dementia can continue to live well.

To everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines—thank you. We are incredibly grateful for your support and proud of what we’ve achieved together.

We look forward to walking with you again next year.

Didn’t make it out to a walk? Don’t worry, you can still make a donation online or come into any of our offices to drop off your donations.

SAVE THE DATE:
Next year’s walk is May 29, 2027

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

National Sponsor

Regional Platinum Sponsors

]]> National Volunteer Week 2026 https://alzda.ca/national-volunteer-week-2026/ Tue, 26 May 2026 16:13:48 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35518

Celebrating our Volunteers

The volunteer team celebrated National Volunteer Week with 5 events across our catchment. 

During Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19–26), we had the opportunity to recognize and thank the incredible volunteers who support our work across all our communities.

Throughout the week, we hosted five appreciation events—one at each of our office locations. Our Halton gathering was held at Forestview Church in Oakville, bringing volunteers together in a welcoming and relaxed setting.

Each event included a shared meal, with lunch or dinner catered by Bellanti Events. It was a meaningful way for volunteers and staff to connect, reflect, and celebrate the impact of volunteer contributions. As a small token of our appreciation, each volunteer received a handmade crochet potted forget-me-not—symbolizing the care, compassion, and dedication they bring to their roles.

Staff from across departments attended the events to personally express their gratitude and connect with volunteers. While we briefly shared an update about our transition to Better Impact, the focus of the week remained clear: to recognize and celebrate the time, energy, and commitment our volunteers give so generously.

Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people living with dementia and their care partners across our region. We are deeply grateful for everything they do.

Thank you to all of our volunteers—you make a difference every day.

]]> H.A.C. New Electronic Sign 2026 https://alzda.ca/h-a-c-new-electronic-sign-2026/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:23:59 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35481

H.A.C. Unveil New Electronic Sign Funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant

Community Joined to Celebrate at Recognition Brunch on April 16, 2026

The Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton proudly announced the installation of a new electronic sign at the Health, Activity, Community (H.A.C.) program location in Hagersville, made possible through generous funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This addition enhanced the organization’s ability to share timely information, promote programs and services, and strengthen connections with the community.

The electronic sign represents a significant step forward in improving accessibility to information for clients, families, and the broader public. The H.A.C. now be better equipped to highlight upcoming events, celebrate achievements, and communicate important messages in an engaging and visible way.

“We were incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support,” said Ashley Everets, Team Lead at the H.A.C. “This investment allowed us to advertise our programs and services to the greater community and encourage more participation and involvement.”

To recognize this milestone, the H.A.C. hosted a Recognition Event and Brunch on April 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event celebrated the impact of the grant and officially showcased the new electronic sign. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with staff, community partners, and supporters while learning more about H.A.C.’s ongoing initiatives.

For more information about the event or H.A.C.’s programs and services, individuals were encouraged to contact the office:
905-768-4488 ext. 100
hac@alzda.ca

About H.A.C.
Health, Activity, Community (H.A.C.) is a community-based program of the Alzheimer Society Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton, bringing advanced health, wellness, activity, and meaningful connection to locations throughout Haldimand County.

H.A.C. programs are designed to help individuals stay active, build new skills, and engage with others in a welcoming and supportive environment. The H.A.C. offers focused support for people living with dementia, acquired brain injuries or brain changes, and vision challenges, using approaches that reflect the latest best practices in community wellness.

About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. It strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Ontarians.

]]> Communicating With Care https://alzda.ca/dementia-friendly-communities/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:35:59 +0000 https://alzda.ca/?p=35210

Dementia Friendly Communities – Communicating with Care

You are at the front of the checkout line. The screen lights up with options:

Insert. Tap. Select amount. Confirm. Remove card.

You’ve done this dozens of times, but today the steps don’t line up.

The cashier says, “Just tap it.”

The machine beeps.

“No, not like that,” they say, a little louder.

Someone behind you groans, “This isn’t rocket science!”

Your partner leans in. “You always use debit. Press the first one and let’s go.”

You open your wallet to find random cards, cash, and coins. The screen changes again before you can decide.

There are too many instructions. Too many voices. Too little time.

Heat creeps up your neck. Pressure rises to your face. The sequence that usually feels automatic won’t stay in order. The harder everyone pushes, the further it slips.

A task everyone insists is “simple” feels immensely overwhelming.

Most people do not freeze because they are not trying. They freeze because the situation becomes overwhelming. There are too many steps, too much pressure, and too little time to recover from a social interaction. Dementia can change how a person processes language, manages multi-step tasks, and responds to stress. As a result, everyday interactions at home or in public can either protect someone’s dignity or quietly increase their distress.

This is not a rare condition. In 2020, more than 597,000 people in Canada were living with dementia. That number is expected to approach 1 million by 2030 and 1.7 million by 2050. These numbers are projected to increase because new diagnoses are happening constantly. About 15 people every hour were diagnosed in 2020, and predictions suggest this could rise to 29 per hour within the next two decades.

As the number of people living with dementia continues to rise, the need to communicate well in everyday situations becomes more urgent. Research grounded in the lived experiences of people living with dementia consistently shows that communication is not a matter of politeness. The way we speak, respond, and offer help determines whether someone feels respected and included, or pushed to the margins.

Understanding Dementia Through Everyday Communication

1) Lead with relationship, not correction

Dementia-friendly communication begins with shifting the focus away from correcting information and instead towards protecting the relationship. Research exploring what people living with dementia describe as good communication emphasizes respect, patience, and being included rather than spoken for. When interactions prioritize accuracy above all else, it can begin to feel exposing. When they prioritize connection, trust is more likely to grow. Leading with relationship also means noticing emotion. Frustration or withdrawal often signals overload. Acknowledging the feeling can lower tension and make cooperation easier.

Here are ways to practice relationship, not correction:

  • “Let’s figure this out together.”
  • “That sounds important.”
  • “I can see this is frustrating.”
  • “Let’s slow down together.”
2) Make the interaction easier to process

Dementia can make rapid speech and multi-step instructions difficult to manage, especially under pressure. Slowing down, offering one idea at a time, and simplifying choices can help the interaction feel manageable. Communication research shows that small adjustments in delivery can influence how people respond in the moment.

This is especially relevant because 58-69% of seniors living with dementia live in private homes rather than long-term care. They are navigating checkout counters, transportation systems, appointments, and public events. Environments that move quickly can unintentionally create barriers, while small changes in pacing can reopen participation.

Here are ways to make interaction easier to process:

  • “Let’s do this one step at a time.”
  • “Would it help if I pointed?”
  • “Let’s try this first, then we’ll move on.”
3) Protect dignity through permission and choice

Support works best when it is collaborative. Dementia often involves gradual losses of independence, and taking over an interaction, even with good intentions, can feel threatening or humiliating. Asking before stepping in and offering options helps preserve autonomy and reinforces that the person remains central to the decision.

Here are ways to protect dignity:

  • “How would you like to do this?”
  • “You’re in charge”
  • “Let me know what you prefer.”

Putting These Practices Into Everyday Life

1) At home and with family

Family interactions are shaped by shared history, responsibilities, and expectations that have developed over decades. Naturally, when communication changes begin to appear, they can feel personal. A missed detail may be interpreted as not listening and repeated questions may be heard as carelessness, so over time, small moments can accumulate into frustration.

Research reviewing family communication in dementia shows that tension does not arise from a single mistake, but from repeated cycles of correction and testing. What begins as an attempt to help can slowly shift into monitoring. The interaction shifts from making sure the person living with dementia feels supported to being about whether something was remembered correctly.

If this sounds relatable to you, remember, you are not alone. In Canada, dementia care partners provide 470 million hours of unpaid care each year, an amount equivalent to 235,000 full-time jobs. Nearly half report distress related to their responsibilities. When stress is already high, conversations can become sharper without anyone intending harm.

In family settings, dementia-friendly communication is less about speed and more about emotional preservation. It protects the relationship from slowly becoming defined by correction.

In families, people often benefit from:

  • Reassurance that they are not being judged
  • Shared responsibility instead of silent monitoring
  • Practical supports that reduce repeated tension
  • Acknowledgment of emotional fatigue on both sides

Here are ways to practice this:

  • “We are on the same team.”
  • “What would make this easier for you?”
  • “What part feels confusing?”
  • “Let’s write it down so neither of us has to remember.”
  • “I’m glad you told me.”
2) In public and community spaces

Public and community environments come with pressures that are different from those at home. Interactions are often shorter, there may be unfamiliar routines, and other people are usually waiting or watching. Noise, time limits, and complicated layouts can make even simple tasks harder to manage. What might feel like a small delay to one person can feel overwhelming to another.

Since most people living with dementia live in private homes, they regularly move through places such as stores, libraries, transit systems, and faith communities. These shared spaces become part of the support system whether they intend to or not. A positive interaction can build confidence while a negative one can quietly discourage future participation.

Here, dementia-friendly communication is less about lengthy conversation, and is more about atmosphere. Calm tone, visible patience, and small offers of assistance can reduce pressure quickly. Even brief reassurance can help someone regain their footing.

For businesses and service providers, this does not require specialized expertise. It often involves creating predictable, supportive interactions. Clear, high-contrast signage with simple wording can reduce confusion before a conversation even begins. Staff can offer one instruction at a time, pausing between steps to allow processing, and avoid taking over tasks unless invited. When these practices are built into everyday service, cognitive load decreases and dignity is preserved, not only for people living with dementia, but for anyone navigating a stressful environment.

In these spaces, people often benefit from:

  • Knowing someone is available
  • Feeling they are not being rushed
  • Understanding what will happen next
  • Being reminded they are welcome

With this in mind, try saying:

  • Offering support
    • “Hi, would you like a hand?”
    • “I can stay with you.”
  • Reducing pressure
    • “Take your time.”
    • “There is no rush.”
    • “We will go at a pace that works for you.”
  • Providing orientation
    • “We are heading this way.”
    • “Here is what will happen next.”
  • Reinforcing belonging
    • “I am glad you are here.”
    • “You are always welcome back.”

Let’s return to the checkout line.

The screen lights up again:

Insert. Tap. Select amount. Confirm. Remove card.

The steps still don’t line up right away. But this time, the cashier slows her voice, “We’ll do this one step at a time. Go ahead and tap your card.”

She waits, offering a reassuring smile. No one in the line sighs or makes unnecessary comments.

You hesitate, unsure which card to use. Your partner asks softly, “What part feels confusing?”

You explain you don’t know which card to choose. Your partner gently takes your wallet and says, “Here’s your debit card. Let’s try tapping it here,” pointing to the reader.

The machine beeps, but this time, the room stays calm.

The steps are the same and the task did not change, but the environment has.

Dementia-friendly communication does not eliminate cognitive change. It changes how the moment unfolds. When the pressure lowers, overwhelm no longer takes over.

Learn More:

For more information on dementia-friendly communication and community initiatives, please explore:

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