Join us at the IG Wealth Management Walk

BARRIE – Friends and families of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County (ASSC) are bringing the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s to Springwater Provincial Park in partnership with Beausoleil First Nation on Sunday, May 25th, 2025.

This annual walk event raises key funds that stay local to the Simcoe County Society in support of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their care partners. The Society publishes a quarterly program and service guide to highlight a broad range of resources, which includes support through one on one, family and group settings, education, direct support through our First Link® Care Navigators, and social recreation in community settings with activities that include art, movement and music programming.

There are over 11,500 people living with dementia in our region and we know demand will continue to grow. Every dollar donated is a critical resource to support the work the Society does to reach more people across our communities to live well with dementia.

This year marks the Society’s 40^th anniversary and during the walk a local Barrie family will be celebrated! The Allen family “Goldie Gang” will be completing their 25^th year of walking! They started walking in honour of Grandma Goldie, and over the years the family grew with three generations of participants. The Goldie Gang has been an incredible champion in raising funds for the Society and bringing awareness to the resources available. They have raised over $76,000 to date and their passion continues to inspire and remind us how valuable dementia care is for loved ones and care partners.

Matthew Vorstermans is another amazing advocate and fundraiser in our community. He has shared his voice wherever possible to spread awareness throughout our region. Matthew has raised more than $70,000 over two decades in honour of his Oma Jean. In 2004, Matthew learned she had Alzheimer’s disease and made it his mission to fundraise to support others like his Oma.

Whether you are diagnosed with dementia, caring for a person living with dementia or would like to learn more about dementia, the Alzheimer Society is the first place to turn when you need help and support. Our dedicated team is broad, and the Society is so fortunate to have a compassionate community of staff, volunteers, partners and supporters. Join us at the walk to celebrate loved ones, the growth of our society and the company of our amazing community.

“Dementia is a major public health problem globally, affecting millions of people. In 2020, it was estimated that there were 597,000 individuals living with dementia in Canada. By 2030, this number is expected to reach close to 1 million. We are so grateful to the team at IG Wealth Management, local sponsors and community members for helping us raise funds and bring national attention to our walk – to our mission” says Ann-Marie Kungl, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. “Our amazing team has planned a wonderful family friendly walk event and we welcome all to join in a day of gratitude and joy in the heart of Simcoe County”.

The Society is starting a new tradition at the walk this year with an Honour Path. Participants will see a large gallery of photos along the path in honour of loved ones which was made possible through sponsorship by Chartwell Retirement Residences.

At the walk you will also find a focus on activities that boost brain health at any age! Try chair yoga, meet Enrique, a talented caricature artist, experience an art practice called Zentangles, visit the kids’ zone with crafts, and feed your tastebuds with Dominos Pizza and Miss Ritchie’s Kitchen delights.

The Society is excited to share that Barrie Art Club members will be onsite showcasing pieces for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to the charity. Don’t miss one-of-a-kind Forget Me Not art by Diane Fitzgerald designed into hand towels and stickers. You can also find a display of special hand made bracelets, put together by our fantastic volunteers.

The Walk will be so much more than just a fundraiser, it’s a dedication to people living with and affected by dementia. We are striving to make it a space where the air is filled with song, tummies are filled with delicious food, the sense of community is strong and a positive memory is made. There will be a few surprises that day! Bring your friends and family and be part of a brilliant day for a great local cause. If you are not able to walk with us on Sunday May 25^th, contact the Society to get a ‘Walk in a Box’ and raise funds by hosting a walk where you are.

Walk Details

Date: Sunday, May 25th
Time: Arrive between 10-11 to register; Event runs form 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location Springwater Provincial Park at 1331 Highway 26, Minesing ON L0L 1Y2.
Register Online now and help raise funds:

Dementia Facts

By the year 2050, more than 1.7 million Canadians are expected to be living with dementia, with an average of 685 individuals being diagnosed each day.
Over the next 30 years, we anticipate the number of people living with dementia in Canada will grow by 187%.
By 2030, almost 1 million Canadians will live with dementia. Its impact is and will continue to be felt across all borders, sectors and cultures.
Delaying the onset of dementia by 1 year would avoid nearly 500,000 cases of dementia over the next 30 years in Canada. Delaying the onset by 10 years would effectively avoid more than 4 million cases.
Staying socially active, being physically active and having a sense of purpose — all of these and more can help improve brain health in any phase of life. Check out 12 actions for a healthier brain at any age here.

(Source: Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia Care in Canada; The Many Faces of Dementia):

Friends and families of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County (ASSC) are bringing the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s to Springwater Provincial Park in partnership with Beausoleil First Nation on Sunday, May 25th, 2025.