Walkers, joggers, and supporters of all stripes will be doing their part around Manitoba in spring for this year’s annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

On Saturday, May 24, people will gather for the annual fundraiser at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg at 10:00 a.m. On Thursday, May 29, participants can head to the A.D. Penner Park in Steinbach at 7:00 p.m.

Similar events will be happening in Altona, Brandon, Darlingford, Gimli, Portage la Prairie, and Selkirk.

The Walk for Alzheimer’s happens right across the nation in support of people living with dementia, as well as their families, friends, and care partners.

“It’s one of my favourite days because of the strong sense of community pride, like we’re all in it together,” says Erin Crawford, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba. “It’s also just a lot of fun with music playing, activities for the kids, a hot dog lunch, and so much laughter and love. You’ll leave with your spirit feeling lifted.”

Funds raised for the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba will continue to provide one-on-one and group supports, education, and dementia-friendly programming aimed at helping individuals and families live their best lives possible.

“It felt incredible to come together with family and friends at the Winnipeg walk, along with more than a thousand others, all supporting the same cause,” says a 2024 participant who lost her husband to Alzheimer’s. “We had 37 team members our first year participating and raised over $6,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. It was a very proud moment for all of us.”

Registration for the walk, whether as an individual or team, can be done on the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba website. Here, participants can create a personalized fundraising page to help them gain sponsorship support from family and friends. The Society also encourages seniors’ residences, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes to host their own walks in support of Alzheimer’s awareness.