Statement made on 16 September 2009 by Senator Catherine Callbeck
Hon. Catherine S. Callbeck:
Honourable senators, this weekend I will have the pleasure of taking part in the Alzheimer Society's national annual fundraising event. In fact, in communities all across Canada, many businesses, schools, banks, hospitals, nursing homes and service clubs will be hosting the fourteenth annual Coffee Break Event during the month of September.
The Alzheimer Society is a non-profit organization that depends on donations to fund its programs and services. All funds raised during the Coffee Break events, where participants make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee, are used locally. About $12 million has been raised since the event started in 1996.
Nationally, more than 450,000 Canadians have Alzheimer's or a related disease, and almost 75 per cent of people with Alzheimer's disease are women. For those with a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend with Alzheimer's disease, the impact can be immense. Many have to balance their role as caregiver with other work and family responsibilities. One quarter of all caregivers are seniors.
In my province, more than 5,000 people are affected by Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. The Alzheimer Society estimates this number will increase by 10 per cent this year alone, so the programs and services that the Alzheimer Society provides are more important than ever.
This provincial society provides the Safely Home Registry to help police find people with Alzheimer's disease after an episode of wandering. It also provides publications for caregivers, a resource centre, music therapy, day respite care and a number of other services.
Alzheimer's disease is the second most feared disease for Canadians as they get older, but Alzheimer societies are trying to change that. They bring awareness and understanding of this disease, help those with Alzheimer's remain engaged and provide much needed support for caregivers. This is why fundraising events like this one are so important to their continued efforts.
I want to commend all the volunteers who work so hard on these fundraising efforts and the others who help provide services through the society. I urge all senators, all Canadians, to support this very worthwhile event.