Alzheimer Society Lanark Leeds and Grenville celebrates most successful Walk for Alzheimer’s to date
The Alzheimer Society Lanark Leeds Grenville is celebrating a landmark year, marked by its most successful IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s to date, major organizational achievements and the development of a new Dementia Health Hub in Smiths Falls.
This year’s Walk, held annually at Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls, has already raised $23,805, with donations continuing to arrive through June, reports Sarah Cavanagh, fund development and communications coordinator, Alzheimer Society LLG, “thanks to employer-matching programs and partner-hosted walks.”
A total of 63 participants registered online, and approximately 75 joined the event in person. Now in its 11th year, the Walk has become a cornerstone of community support.
The following are individuals and teams recognized for their exemplary contributions:
Top individual fundraiser (Alzheimer’s Challenge): Debbie Banks
Top individual fundraiser: Frank Bondi
Top team fundraiser (Alzheimer’s Challenge): Perth Leg-Acy Walkers
Top team fundraiser: Lanark Lodge – CUPE Cloggers
Top team fundraiser (Walk in a Box): Stoneridge Manor CP
Most minutes walked (Alzheimer’s Challenge): Smiths Falls Office Team
Largest team on walk day (Alzheimer’s Challenge): Perth Leg-Acy Walkers
These efforts come at a time when dementia is one of the fastest-growing health concerns globally. According to statistics on https://alzheimer.ca/lanark/, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia today, and cases are expected to double every 20 years. Locally, the need for support also continues to rise. In 2025 alone, Alzheimer Society LLG recorded 7,000 day program visits, representing 39,000 hours of care delivered close to home. “In 2025, we received 654 new referrals, provided 4,751 support and education visits, facilitated 727 groups and offered 530 overnight stays,” says Sarah, adding that behind every statistic is a person or family receiving support, guidance and hope.
According to Sarah, 2026 has already been a remarkable year for the Alzheimer Society Lanark Leeds Grenville: “From hosting our largest-ever IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s to earning a four-year accreditation from the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, opening the Dementia Health Hub in Smiths Falls and launching innovative new programs for rural seniors, we continue to grow our impact across the region. Most importantly, care partners have told us our services help keep their loved ones at home an average of 27 months longer.”
In addition to the success of the Walk, Alzheimer Society LLG is celebrating the creation of a Dementia Health Hub on Cornelia Street in Smiths Falls. Renovations were recently completed for the new one-stop centre, which opened this month. The Hub is designed to reduce barriers and bring essential services together under one roof, including cognitive testing, foot care and, in future, vital checks, hearing and vision assessments, hair services, expanded social and educational programs, and navigation and system support. No diagnosis is required to access services, and anyone impacted by dementia is welcome.
The Alzheimer Society LLG is also encouraging local businesses and organizations to participate in Dementia-Friendly Communities training. This free public education program helps create more inclusive, supportive environments for people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Training is available by request through Sean McFadden (smcfadden@alzllg.ca) and quarterly via Zoom or onsite at the offices in Smiths Falls and Brockville.
For more information, visit https://alzheimer.ca/lanark.