MEDIA RELEASE – ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF SIMCOE COUNTY
Steve McNeil kissed the ice goodbye for this season as the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County confirmed the day a remarkable success with over three hundred people dropping by Webers Starbucks Rink between 12:01 a.m. and 7:26 p.m. to donate over $6,000.00 dollars and grab some ice time with Steve. He was in good company with skaters who graced the ice from the Mariposa and Orillia Skating Clubs, Charlie Horse, Mayor Steve Clarke and so many supporters from across Simcoe County.
It was a fun-filled Family Day event for a great cause. “It was an honour to have Steve visit Severn as part of his ten-city skate. Steve’s efforts are raising awareness and gathering funds to help those most impacted by Alzheimer’s in our area,” said Township of Severn Mayor Mike Burkett. “I understand the toll this disease takes on a family, and the love and patience that is required to care for someone with dementia. It was fantastic to be invited to participate in this event, and to offer support and encouragement to Steve on behalf of the Township as he completed his 19 hour and 26-minute skate for Alzheimer’s.”
“What a terrific community event. A great turnout for a great cause! Meeting Steve and witnessing his passion first-hand was inspiring,” said Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke
All money raised will stay in the region to support the programs and services offered by the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County to people living with dementia and their care partners throughout Simcoe County. Receiving a diagnosis of dementia is not easy. Making a quick connection to a community of support can make a big difference by eliminating uncertainty and unknowns. The Alzheimer Society is the first place to turn. For access to programs and services, those with a diagnosis of dementia and care partners are encouraged to call the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County directly or ask their family doctor about being referred to the Alzheimer Society.
“Mr. McNeil’s dedication to this marathon skate is a powerful symbolic display of the time and effort caregivers devote to family members with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. I share my sincere thanks to Mr. McNeil and the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County for organizing this skate,” said Doug Shipley, Member of Parliament for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte.
#1926skate was a great warm-up for the 24th annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. People across the county will be storing the skates and pulling out their walking shoes in anticipation of walking 10,500 steps during the month of May for the 10,500 people living with dementia in our region. Stay tuned!
