JASON SETNYK
The 2026 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s brought participants together at the Benson Centre in Cornwall to raise funds, increase awareness, and support local residents impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District, the annual fundraiser supports programs and services for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, along with their families and caregivers. The Cornwall event was the first of three regional walks held over two days, with additional events taking place in Alexandria and Rockland.
Taylor Seguin, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications with the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District, said the walk continues to be the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. “This is a really cool event where it’s a mixture of fundraising and awareness,” said Seguin. “Obviously one of our goals today is to raise some funds for our programming, but on the flip side, we’re also looking to talk about dementia, talk about Alzheimer’s, reduce the stigma, and raise awareness on this important topic.”
The event began with registration, followed by opening ceremonies, speeches from local representatives, and remarks from Legacy Families. Each year, Legacy Families help put a personal face on the impact of dementia. This year’s Cornwall walk was led by Anna Maria Finateri, who is living with dementia, and her husband and caregiver, Barry Caswell.
Seguin said hearing from families directly impacted by dementia helps show the importance of the services available locally.
“Legacy Families are folks who have been through the journey, and they’ve experienced these brain changes,” said Seguin. “It’s important to hear their first-hand experience of using the Alzheimer Society programs.” For Finateri and Caswell, the organization has become an important part of navigating life with dementia. “The Alzheimer Society has offered us many, many programs and outlets to support our family during this journey,” said Caswell. “It is a struggle that we take on every day, and we do the best we can with our lives. Without the support of the society, I don’t know where we would be.”
Finateri described the organization as a source of understanding and connection. “They know how to talk to us,” said Finateri. “It’s a family.” Caswell said education, social opportunities, and caregiver support have made a meaningful difference.
“This is not an illness that you can take care of by yourself,” he said. “Without the support, without the help, without the education that comes with this, and without the outreach programs they offer to us, I don’t know where we would be.”
The Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District estimates more than 4,000 people across the region are living with dementia. This year’s campaign encouraged people to walk “4,000 steps a day” in recognition of each person affected locally.
Executive Director Donna MacGillivray said the fundraiser is especially meaningful because money raised remains in the community.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to get a bunch of people together, raise some much-needed funds for the Alzheimer Society, specifically Cornwall and District, because that’s where the funds stay,” said MacGillivray.
She also shared a personal connection to the cause.
“My father passed away from vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, so I attended the walk even before I was the executive director,” said MacGillivray. “I think it’s a great opportunity for people to come together, exercise, which we all know is good for our brain too, and raise some money.”
Funds raised support services including caregiver resources, education programs, counselling, adult day programs, support groups, and outreach throughout the five eastern counties served by the organization.
Although the three regional walks have concluded, MacGillivray said fundraising remains open until June 30.
“We will never say no to a donation,” she said. “Please reach out, and we will talk you through the process.”
L’article Legacy Families lead Cornwall Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
