Grab a cup-a-joe and help find a cure for the ticking time bomb

Alzheimer Society
News Release

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This September, if someone you care about is living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, show your support by taking part in a Coffee Break event in your community.
Coffee Break is the largest annual fundraising campaign of the Alzheimer Society that raises money locally for hands-on programs and services offered by Alzheimer Societies in over 150 communities across Canada.

Anyone can take part in this do-it-yourself fundraiser by making a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee. It can be as simple as hosting a coffee party at home, in the office or a public venue, or as elaborate as organizing a coffee-thon using social media.

This year’s target goal is $1.5 million dollars.

Dementia is a significant health issue in Canada; the World Health Organization called it a “ticking time bomb” in its recent report, Dementia: A Public Health Priority. Dementia affects over 500,000 Canadians today and will rise to 1.1 million by 2038. Although the causes are unknown, older Canadians are at an increased risk. After 65, the risk for dementia doubles every five years, and according to the 2011 Canada Census, 22.8 per cent of the Canadian population will be 65 and older by 2031.

Dementia’s steadily increasing numbers will also have a tremendous impact on caregivers who already spend 231 million hours per year caring for someone with dementia. That number is expected to jump to 756 million hours per year by 2038. Family caregivers also experience higher levels of stress and other health-related conditions.

“Support groups for caregivers will be in even greater demand. They’re a safe place for caregivers to talk, share and form friendships, giving them the confidence and strength to continue caring for family members at home for longer. But to keep these groups active, we need more funding. We’re encouraging Canadians to get behind our Coffee Break appeal.” – Says Linda Brown, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of North Bay and District.

Coffee Break kicks off September 20, but participants can host events throughout the month and up until the end of October. They can also purchase coffee cup cut-outs from this year’s sponsors:Fresh Co. and Bulk Barn. Local Bulk Barns and its head office will also match any cut-out purchased on September 21st 2012.

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