All caregivers - Kamloops Honourees
2025 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's
Every year, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, presented by Go Auto, honours a person or a group of people whose life has been touched by dementia. Honourees remind us why we walk. By sharing their stories, they give a face and a voice to dementia, reminding us that these are real people dealing with real challenges — breaking down stigma and inspiring change. In Kamloops this year, we are honouring all caregivers who provide support to family members and friends living with the disease.There are currently over 50,000 caregivers in communities across British Columbia providing an estimated 67.9 million hours of unpaid support. While supporting someone living with dementia can bring joy, connection and fulfillment, caregivers also face an increased likelihood of depression, emotional stress and financial problems. The ability to access education, information and to be a part of a supportive community of people who understand the dementia journey is critical for caregivers’ well-being. For Pierrette Edgar, connecting with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. gave her strength to move forward after her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“The doctor must have seen the look on my face when we found out,” Edgar says. “He referred us to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and that’s what saved me.”
The Society provides ongoing support, proactive outreach calls and the First Link® Dementia Helpline, where callers will find knowledgeable staff who listen to their needs (in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi and Urdu) and guide them to the resources, education and programs that are best suited for their unique situation. The support is invaluable for caregivers who are facing an unpredictable and, at times, isolating journey.
“Many caregivers have shared with me that our programs and services helped connect them to a community of care where they felt supported, included and validated,” says Danielle Bywater, a Support and Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “Creating relationships and supporting caregivers from diagnosis through to the end-of-life stage of dementia gives care partners a safe space to discuss complex feelings and they know we are just a phone call away should they need guidance, support or simply an understanding ear.”
Whether you walk in honour of caregivers in Kamloops or in support of someone in your life who has been affected by dementia, you can make a difference.
Join all caregivers on Sunday, May 25 for the Kamloops IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's.