The inaugural Richmond and South Delta Walk for Memories takes place this Sunday at the BCIT campus on Sea Island, and organizers are hoping hundreds of people will show up to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. The walk took place in Richmond last year but this event incorporates residents of South Delta as well.
The walk's honouree, Elizabeth Stewart, 66, suffers from Alzheimer's and was a caregiver for her two parents who also had the disease. She was chosen by walk organizers because of her dedication to her parents and participation at support groups. One of the walk's organizers and volunteers is Patrick Tham, who participates in support of his father, Michael, who has the degenerative neurological disease.
"It's heartbreaking to see a family affected by dementia to such a degree," said Tham. "The effects are very multigenerational," he added.
Participants will be able to buy raffle tickets to enter a prize draw for two West Jet tickets. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the walk takes place 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information call 604-270-7700.