“People are failing:” Mark de Hart raises money for the Alzheimer Society of York Region to help provide programs and services to people impacted by dementia
“It’s a good thing to do.”
That’s why Mark de Hart has spent the last 15 years supporting the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York).
“It’s a good cause and a lot more people are getting Alzheimer’s. Within my own clientele I am starting to see it: people are failing.”
As the owner of de Hart & Associates Private Wealth Management, de Hart is a member of the IG Wealth Management Fairview-Markham team, which is participating in AS York’s #IGWalkforAlz taking place May 30 at Lake Wilcox Park in Richmond Hill.
In addition to joining the Fairview-Markham team, de Hart is a silver sponsor for the walk and has consistently been among the Top 3 walkers who has raised the most funds.
“I love the (AS York) programs. Obviously, we need more – 21,000 people dealing with dementia (in York Region). The capacity needs to expand. People need to step up and support this.”
But de Hart said he understands why people don’t think to support Alzheimer’s disease. He said unless people have been impacted by the disease, it’s hard to understand what it is and why it’s so important to raise funds to support AS York’s programs and services for those living with dementia and their caregivers.
“You support cancer because you know someone who has cancer. You support heart and stroke because you know someone who has heart disease. It is tough to raise money for people with Alzheimer’s because people don’t think about Alzheimer’s unless they know someone. It will be easier in the future because everyone will know someone with dementia.”
While not a normal sign of aging, age is the No. 1 risk factor for developing dementia. And as the population ages, more people will develop what is often called a family disease: a disease that not just impacts those living with, but their family members as well.
Currently, several of de Hart’s clients have some sort of cognitive impairment, something he finds difficult as he has known his clients for a long time. Some people are aware of their decline, others are not.
“It’s brutal. I am dealing with it more and more.”
While de Hart’s mom, Ann, died after a battle of vascular dementia in 2009, de Hart said his mom’s illness doesn’t have anything to do with his decision to start helping the organization. Instead, he started to be involved with AS York when the organization’s former director of philanthropy asked him to participate in the Walk for Alzheimer’s in Georgina when the organization hosted two events. He stayed on, taking part in walks and donating to various events hosted by AS York.
While de Hart said he had basic knowledge of what AS York was doing when he first got involved, it wasn’t until he joined the fund development committee and attended events like the Donor Appreciation night where he listened to people’s stories, did he fully understand the importance of the programs and services offered by AS York.
“I am learning more and more.”
As de Hart still works full time at the business he started more than 44 years ago (“when I was two,” he said with a laugh), he said he looks forward to further supporting AS York once he semi-retires in a couple of years. That includes guiding clients who wish to “make a difference in the world through charitable giving,” said de Hart who recently registered to earn a Master Financial Advisor in Philanthropy designation.
“People need to be educated about philanthropic strategies,” he said.
Supporting charities is the right thing to do, de Hart said, although he prefers to “concentrate on one where I can have a bigger impact. You guys are No. 1.”
This year de Hart said he was late starting fundraising for the Walk for Alzheimer’s, but said he still hopes he can reach his $15,000 goal by reaching out to clients, family and friends. He said the walk is a great event that has a party atmosphere, while also offering opportunities to talk to people impacted by dementia.
“It’s a fun event where the community comes out to support a great cause.”
You can donate to Mark de Hart here: https://support.alzheimer.ca/site/TR/WFA/WFA_ON_YorkRegion?pg=personal&px=1366757&fr_id=5460