Arjun Pillai
Daily Herald
The residents of Prince Albert are set to gather at Kinsmen Park on Saturday, May 24, for the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, a community-driven event aimed at raising funds and awareness for those affected by dementia.
This year’s walk holds extra significance, as all donations will be matched up to $25,000 thanks to a partnership between the Malcom J. Jenkins Family Foundation and the Ripley Family of Melfort.
“It’s a really powerful way for people to feel that tangible doubling of their donation,” said Becky Quist, Revenue Development Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. “Whether it’s $10 or $100, every bit counts, and this year, it can count twice.”
The walk has been held in Prince Albert for over a decade. It has even hosted once indoors at the Alfred Jenkins Centre in January, it later moved outdoors to Kinsmen Park to coincide with the national campaign’s push for all walks to happen on the last Saturday of May.
This year, the Prince Albert walk aims to raise $26,700, a target the organization hopes to exceed with Strong community participation and the incentive of the matching campaign.
Beyond fundraising, the event also helps bring attention to the growing impact of dementia in Saskatchewan, where over 20,000 people are currently living with the condition.
“We’ve seen the walk grow in so many ways, not just in attendance, but in the dollars raised and the community connection it brings,” said Quist. “It’s become a place where people can come together, feel supported, and know they are not alone.”
Funds raised will support a wide range of programs offered by the Alzheimers Society of Saskatchewan, including caregiver education, dementia-specific resources, and navigation support through healthcare systems. In Prince Albert, a First Link Coordinator is dedicated to helping families find the services and information they need.
“It’s not a one-size-fits all journey,” said Quist. “Our First Link Coordinators help people figure out what kind of support is right for them, be it community, information, or just someone to talk to.”
Event Details
Participants are encouraged to arrive by noon, though no pre-registration is required. The walk will begin at 1:00 p.m., with on-site registration, team check-ins, and donation options available.
The day promises more than just a walk. Attendees can expect a DJ, children’s games, snacks, and a touching “Medal of Memories” tribute wall, where people can write messages in honor of loved ones. Bag Pipers will also be present on hand to lend a musical touch to the occasion.
“It’ll be beautiful day to celebrate both the people living with dementia and the community that supports them,” said Quist.
Quist encourages anyone affected by dementia, directly or as a caregiver, to reach out to the Alzheimer Society.
“The first three words are: You’re not alone. Please reach out. That’s the first step,” she said.
To learn more, donate, or join a team, visit support.alzheimer.ca or call 306-949-4141.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
