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It was three decades ago that a group of caregivers gathered in a North Vancouver home to discuss and support each other in caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. This gathering led to the creation of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Now, 30 years later, alleviating the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia continues to be a core principle in our mission.
Over the years, the need for support has not changed; it has grown. Now, as the baby boomers, our population’s largest demographic group ages and prevalence of the disease continues to increase, the urgency to find a cure has never been greater. The Society has been responsive to this change.
In addition to the province-wide network of programs and services the Society delivers, a contract with the Government of BC to expand First Link® and Minds in Motion™ was successfully implemented last year. First Link® is a program that provides a way for physicians and clinicians to formally connect people with dementia to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. at the time of diagnosis. The Society is then able to link the family with services and support in the community. For example, one of the Society programs that people may be referred to is Minds in Motion™, a fitness and social program for a person with dementia and their care partner, friend, or family member.
Since the program expansion, there has been a steady increase of referrals to connect families on the dementia journey with our programs and services in six B.C. locations and their surrounding communities. Minds in Motion™ has been well-received and is now available in 13 locations across the province. Both scenarios strengthen the case for further expansion.
While the Society has always supported research, historically the Society has focused primarily on supporting those impacted by the disease. However, the Society also recognizes that much more needs to be done to find the causes and cures for dementia and that it is of increasing importance to our supporters. This year, the Society will seek to almost double its contribution to research with plans for incremental increases in subsequent years.
Despite the remnant impact of the global economic situation this past year, we are proud of the fact that we have managed our strategic growth and responsiveness to public needs while maintaining our commitment to ensure $0.85 of every dollar raised goes directly to dementia support, education, information, and research.
Looking forward, we will continue to enhance our fundraising efforts, with greater emphasis on growing our signature events, as well as, our major gifts portfolio. This is possible in large part to the significant support by notable members of our corporate community as part of the Leaders of Hope campaign.
The faces of dementia are the people living with the disease, their caregivers, families and friends. The faces of dementia are also the supporters who help to advance our cause; the donors, volunteers, corporate and community leaders, and our staff.
We are putting a face to dementia, encouraging the public to see the people who are living with the disease, and to support them on the journey. We are also encouraging our supporters to be seen and to speak up so that together we can create a world without dementia.
As we all know, the need is great and it is growing. We thank you for your support in helping make a difference.
Over the years, the need for support has not changed; it has grown. Now, as the baby boomers, our population’s largest demographic group ages and prevalence of the disease continues to increase, the urgency to find a cure has never been greater. The Society has been responsive to this change.
In addition to the province-wide network of programs and services the Society delivers, a contract with the Government of BC to expand First Link® and Minds in Motion™ was successfully implemented last year. First Link® is a program that provides a way for physicians and clinicians to formally connect people with dementia to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. at the time of diagnosis. The Society is then able to link the family with services and support in the community. For example, one of the Society programs that people may be referred to is Minds in Motion™, a fitness and social program for a person with dementia and their care partner, friend, or family member.
Since the program expansion, there has been a steady increase of referrals to connect families on the dementia journey with our programs and services in six B.C. locations and their surrounding communities. Minds in Motion™ has been well-received and is now available in 13 locations across the province. Both scenarios strengthen the case for further expansion.
While the Society has always supported research, historically the Society has focused primarily on supporting those impacted by the disease. However, the Society also recognizes that much more needs to be done to find the causes and cures for dementia and that it is of increasing importance to our supporters. This year, the Society will seek to almost double its contribution to research with plans for incremental increases in subsequent years.
Despite the remnant impact of the global economic situation this past year, we are proud of the fact that we have managed our strategic growth and responsiveness to public needs while maintaining our commitment to ensure $0.85 of every dollar raised goes directly to dementia support, education, information, and research.
Looking forward, we will continue to enhance our fundraising efforts, with greater emphasis on growing our signature events, as well as, our major gifts portfolio. This is possible in large part to the significant support by notable members of our corporate community as part of the Leaders of Hope campaign.
The faces of dementia are the people living with the disease, their caregivers, families and friends. The faces of dementia are also the supporters who help to advance our cause; the donors, volunteers, corporate and community leaders, and our staff.
We are putting a face to dementia, encouraging the public to see the people who are living with the disease, and to support them on the journey. We are also encouraging our supporters to be seen and to speak up so that together we can create a world without dementia.
As we all know, the need is great and it is growing. We thank you for your support in helping make a difference.
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| Sharon Craver, Volunteer Chair | Jean Blake, CEO |
2010/11 Annual Report
Personal Stories from the Journey
Join the Wave of Change
About the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
- Message from Board Chair and CEO
- Message from the Treasurer
- Auditor’s Report
- In The Vancouver Sun (appearing in Sept. 22 print edition)
Personal Stories from the Journey
- Hélène is learning to be on the journey one day at a time
- Jim is advocating to improve dementia care through “teachable moments”
- Terri and the rewarding decision to be by her father-in-law’s side on the dementia journey
- Michael, a world-renowned researcher from UBC believes that hope for a world without dementia lies in Canadian research
Join the Wave of Change
About the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
