Bloomington Cove challenges homes to support Alzheimer’s work
Third annual fundraiser features many firsts
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 -- Lisa Bailey
Specialty Care Bloomington Cove is challenging all Ontario long-term care homes to mark Long Term Care Week by raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease research, education and support.

The call to action comes as the Stouffville home prepares for its third annual Walk/Run for Memories on Oct. 27.

To reach its $25,000 goal — more than the double the proceeds from the last two years combined  — Bloomington Cove has rallied support and stepped up its efforts.

“We’ve really put a lot of heart and soul into it,” says director of resident and family services Jenn Beninato. “We’re very passionate about it here because it’s our residents, it’s our community, who are affected.”

Bloomington Cove cares exclusively for residents who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. With more people diagnosed every year, and earlier in life, education and awareness are vital, Beninato says.

“We want people to know that Alzheimer’s is a terminal disease of the brain. It erases memory, steals the ability to think and makes simple tasks, like eating and getting dressed, impossible,” she says.

The Walk/Run for Memories “is our way, as an organization, to be socially responsible and give back to the community. We want to help our residents, and there are people in the community that really need help,” says Beninato, who will participate in the fundraiser in honour of her grandfather, who died from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Supporting the Alzheimer Society of York Region, this year’s fundraiser features several firsts. It’s expanded to a run as well as a walk to include the growing population of runners. A bouncy castle and face painting are meant to orientate children to charity, and a silent auction for various donated items will be held.

Raffle tickets are being sold on three attractive prizes, and memory boards can be purchased for a $50 donation. They’ll be personalized with names of those honoured by participants and placed along the walk/run route in Stouffville.

Also on event day, a wall of memories will be erected so people can share inspirational messages.

Beninato notes the community is lending its support to Walk/Run for Memories. Bloomington Cove raised $1,500 by selling bags of candy and cupcakes at the recent Markham Fair. Other homes in the area are also spreading the word about the fundraiser. Businesses have donated auction and raffle items, and a vendor gave cleaning supplies that were bundled and sold out in two days.

Click here to register for the Walk/Run for Memories.

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