Champion Racer is Back to Raise Funds

Jake Cowden is at it again! For the second year now, Jake and his family are hosting a racing fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of York Region. Jake's grandmother, Joyce, lives with dementia.

The 16-year-old champion driver from Aurora, ON will be racing for good again this month in celebration of upcoming World Alzheimer's Day. The family hopes to raise money to help fund programs and services for people living with dementia and their care partners in York Region.

Jake races formula 1600 cars in the Toyo Tires series and go-karts on his free weekends. He was the recent recipient of the Bob McCallum scholarship for rookies. He has raced now twice at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, and once at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant, achieving podium finishes in all of his race weekends.

Jake’s grandmother was always proud of his racing and used to cheer him on trackside when she was healthier which is why Jake chose to use his racing as an engine for fundraising.

Last year, the family raised over $2000 for AS York which was then matched by the Carswell Family Foundation.

“We wanted to create a different challenge this year. If we are able to raise $1000, we will donate $500 from our family and if we manage to raise $2000, we will donate an additional $500.” says Kerri, Jake’s mother. This is over and above the Carswell Family Foundation, who will continue to match donations made to the Alzheimer Society of York Region, dollar for dollar.

Since we last wrote about the family, Kerri says, “My mom is doing well. She certainly has declined drastically due to COVID’s social restrictions. Returning to the D.A.Y. program has been a blessing, and gives our family hope for her happiness and stimulation.”

Jake is thrilled to continue to use his racing platform to bring awareness and funds to AS York whose support and services are so critical for individuals and their families living with dementia in York Region.

“I am doing this fundraiser in support of my grandmother, and all of the families impacted by Alzheimer’s. The York Region Alzheimer’s programs have really helped us understand the disease of Alzheimer’s, and be supported on this difficult journey. I am honoured to be able to receive support from the Formula 1600 community, the Go-Kart community, and friends and family, where there are many people interested in making a difference to the families impacted by Alzheimer’s.” – Jake Cowden

Click here to donate to Jake Cowden's Racing Fundraiser in support of AS York