Editor:
For four years, our caring, generous community has shown tremendous support for the Langley-Aldergrove-Abbotsford Walk for Memories in aid of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
These annual “community group hugs”, which have been held at the Aldergrove Athletic Park on the last Sunday in January, have raised some $120,000 to help more than 70,000 British Columbians affected by dementia and to spread the word on the rising tide of need.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada, based in Toronto, has now taken the much-anticipated step of creating a national Walk for Alzheimer’s Day. Since January is not perhaps an ideal month in which to hold an event on the Prairies or in Ontario (and which has proved challenging even for us in the Valley), it will be held each year (starting in 2016) on the first Sunday in May.
Unfortunately for our event, this date conflicts with the Langley Walk, now in its 52nd year — a community coming-together without a political, charitable or other agenda.
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is exploring the idea of an Abbotsford walk, perhaps at Mill Lake park. The population base would seem to support such a notion and the society would be interested in hearing from anyone who would like to help make this happen. Those interested are encouraged to contact Daphne Tsai, ASBC Special Events Officer, at 604.742.4925 or via DTsai@alzheimerbc.org. The ASBC website is alzheimer.ca.
Meanwhile, on behalf of our 2015 Langley-Aldergrove-Abbotsford Walk for Memories Committee and my co-chair, Karen Long, I should like to thank all those whose support has helped spur our four-year success story. Particular thanks must go to volunteers from the Township of Langley Fire Department; to sponsor Investors Group; to the Reddick family; to 2013 honoree Carrol Horne, 2014 honorees Randy Bysouth and Diana Frances, and 2015 honorees Susan and Boyd Wylie; to TOL Mayor Jack Froese, Coun. Bob Long and other supportive area politicians — and, last but not least, to our local media.
I am so grateful live in an amazing community that demonstrates, time after time, that it can come together to make a real difference. Thank you.
Janet Ingram-Johnson, Aldergrove
