Community Supporting Community

Saskatchewan

This April, our team spent time in Moosomin and Swift Current. What began as a series of presentations and meetings quickly became something more: meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and growing partnerships rooted in supporting people living with dementia and their care partners.

This spring, our team spent time in Moosomin and Swift Current, building connections with community members and organizations around dementia.

What made these visits even more meaningful is that both communities are also hosting their own local IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. Their dedication to supporting our work inspires us to continue showing up for them.

Fostering Connection in Moosomin

On April 14, our team travelled to Moosomin to deliver a presentation around Dementia in the Community. About 30 people joined us, including members of the local Walk Committee and our former volunteer support group facilitators.

As the presentation unfolded, it became clear the presentation wasn’t going to be a one-way conversation. We shared information about dementia, its signs and symptoms, and ways to reduce risk – but just as importantly, the audience began to share back.

Three of our team members presenting to a group of attendees who are seated in chairs. — The presentation highlighted signs and symptoms of dementia, ways to reduce risk and live well, supports and services offered through the Alzheimer Society, and how small, everyday actions can make a meaningful difference for people living with dementia.

While talking about dementia-friendly communities, the discussion naturally opened up into more of a conversation about what makes a community feel welcoming and inclusive. Community members began sharing how something as small as a smile or a friendly interaction can have a real impact.

In that moment, it wasn’t just about learning, it was about connection. It was a powerful reminder that building a dementia-friendly community starts with the way we show up for one another.

Three women standing in a line together and smiling. Two of the individuals are holding certificates and gift bags. — While in Moosomin, Our First Link Coordinator, Lori Tulloch (centre), presented Claudia Grant (left) and Dianne McLeod (right) with certificates of appreciation from their MLA for their significant contributions to the Alzheimer Society as volunteer support group facilitators.

Growing Partnerships and Support in Swift Current

Our two-day trip to Swift Current focused on both partnership development and community education.

On April 21, we met with staff at the Newcomer Welcome Centre to explore opportunities to support newcomers to Canada with learning more about dementia and dementia risk reduction. The conversation laid the groundwork for a promising partnership, with plans to connect clients to individualized support and Alzheimer Society resources.

The following day, our Revenue Development team met with the Swift Current local Walk Committee to ensure fundraising and promotions are on track for Walk-day on May 30.

Later in the day, our staff hosted a presentation at the Swift Current Branch Library, with 22 community members in attendance. The presentation was well received, with active engagement from attendees. The library staff were highly appreciative of the session and the strong turnout.

Walking Forward Together

In both Moosomin and Swift Current, we were reminded that community is at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication to hosting local Walks and their openness to learning more about dementia reflect a shared commitment to creating spaces where people living with dementia and their care partners feel supported, included, and understood.

Together, we are building dementia-friendly communities, one community at a time.

For more information, please visit our website or email friends@alzheimer.sk.ca

To register for or donate to an IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s near you, please follow this link.