Kelowna's Walk for Alzheimers will return on the first Sunday of May

Kelowna’s annual Walk for Alzheimer's will make its return on the afternoon of Sunday, May 5.

Once again kicking things off at City Park, participants can look forward to another spring walk along the water for a worthy cause.

Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia, the event focuses on raising funds and awareness for the near 70,000 living with dementia in the province.

“This is one of the society’s primary fundraisers,” said Guy Bird, the walk’s volunteer organizer.

“The funds raised for it are critical for programs and services to support not only those living with the disease but their caregivers as well,” he added.

An inclusive event, the walk dubs itself as “dementia friendly” and offers up a fun-filled afternoon of activities in addition to the walk of solidarity.

From food vendors and live entertainment courtesy of the Southern Belles and Vic The Fiddler to a silent auction, door prizes and an easy warm up with Phoenix Fitness — the event promises to boast good times in abundance.

After a successful event in 2018 that saw 200 attendees and raised a cool $30,000, Bird is hopeful the community will once again step up to help the organization meet their $50,000 goal.

“The growth of this disease in our province means our communities need to increase their services and that's what we want to help do," said Bird.

“This is not just an ‘old persons’ disease. Of the 70,000 people affected, an estimated 10,000 of them are under 60-years-old, so come down and bring your friends.”

The walk will take over City Park at 1 p.m. on May 5 and registration is now open! You can, however, register or donate online right now at walkforalzheimers.ca or register onsite the day of the walk.