The Heartbeat of the Alzheimer Society
The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick appreciates all volunteers who have given their time and efforts to the Society. In honour of National Volunteer Week, learn about how a group of volunteers from the Chaleur region make a difference in their community in a big way.
Back row from left to right: Denise Boudreau, Gale Babin, Claudette Boudreau, Emilienne Blanchard, Jacqueline Chiasson. Front row: Nathalie Drapeau, Riba Riordon, Heather Babin.
You can help make a difference for people living with dementia by volunteering for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s! We have several volunteer opportunities at our wrap-up celebrations on May 29th. Contact us at info@alzheimernb.ca or 1-800-664-8411 for more information.
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Before coming together to form the Planning Committee for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in the Chaleur Region, there was something else connecting these 8 incredible women. They all had personal experience with someone living with dementia.
Their journey with dementia led them to the Alzheimer Society. They connected with the First Link Coordinator in their region, Huguette Duguay, and found the support they needed. After seeing the difference programs & services can make for families on the dementia journey, they decided to reinvest themselves and give back to their community by becoming volunteers.
The original committee was formed six years ago, with additional members joining since that time. Over the years, they have organized fundraisers that help support people affected by dementia in their community. When they are not planning the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s event, they can be seen laughing and sharing pastries at their very successful bake sales, organizing other fundraisers, and handing out holiday cards made by school children in long-term care homes. To date, they have helped raise over $40,000 in the Chaleur region.
When asked why it’s important to have an IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, they all spoke about the importance of letting people know they don’t have to face the disease alone. The Walk is an opportunity to spread awareness of the services offered by the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick. Gale Babin mentioned the importance of being able to approach people from every walk of life, young and old, and to help educate the public. Claudette Boudreau talked about the need to support people on the dementia journey, and how the Walk can serve as a reminder of that. Riba Riordon added that walking alongside people of various ages gives everyone courage to continue raising awareness and raising funds to ensure access to the services of the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick.
This special group has created a strong volunteer committee in their region as well as beautiful friendships. The staff at the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick would like to thank these incredibly passionate and caring people who help strengthen connections in their community. The Alzheimer Society wouldn’t be what it is without them!
The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick would like to thank all volunteers who have given their time and efforts to help people affected by dementia. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, click here to learn about our current volunteer opportunities.