Make Your Coffee Count!

Aug. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Alzheimer Society of Huron County is calling on local residents to take part in Huron County’s largest Coffee Break on September 15, 2011, which is sponsored by United Communities Credit Union.

This popular do-it-yourself event is one of the Society’s primary fundraisers, which each year raises important funds to support the approximately 1,100 in Huron County living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Anyone can host a Coffee Break - friends, families, or corporations - at home, at work or public venue, by exchanging a cup of coffee for a donation on behalf of the Society.  

“For many Canadians living with this devastating disease, the Alzheimer Society is their lifeline,” says Andrea Grimm, Chief Fund Development Officer at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “We provide practical support, training and information in communities across Canada, while our programs make a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals and families living with dementia. We’re encouraging Canadians to get involved and spread the word so we can help even more people with this disease.”  

Demand for services is steadily climbing as the number of Canadians with dementia surges. An estimated 1.3 million Canadians will be affected by 2038. This number does not take into account thousands of caregivers who already clock a staggering 231 million hours a year in unpaid care. Burgeoning baby boomers will compound this trend. The risk for dementia doubles every five years after age 65.  

“It’s no different in Huron County,” says Cathy Ritsema, Executive Director of the Huron Chapter. “The dementia crisis is now and it’s in our communities. We still don’t have a cure for the disease, but caregiver support groups, Just for You: Volunteer Companion Program, education and other services help families to live well and independently longer. Our programs are increasingly vital. We need funds to keep them active.”

While Coffee Break officially kicks off September 15, participants can host their event any time during the month and into October, and can be as simple or elaborate as they like, from organizing corporate challenges to holding trivia nights, to staging events at local coffee shops or shopping malls.

For registration, tips and information on how to get started, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Huron County at 519-482-1482/1-800-561-5012 or by e-mail at melissa@alzheimerhuron.on.ca. You can also visit www.alzheimerhuron.on.ca or  www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca

About Coffee Break
Coffee Break® is the Alzheimer Society’s largest nationwide fundraising event. Since launching in 1996, it has raised more than $13 million. Funds remain in local provinces and communities. The Alzheimer Society thanks Bulk Barn and Kent Building Supplies for their generous support and Mother Parkers for their in-kind contribution.

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The Alzheimer Society of Huron County exists to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and to promote research.

We offer a variety of services and programs. Please visit our website for details.