This January, the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County (ASSC) is inviting you to #LightItUpBlue to show 11,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and their care partners, that they are supported across Simcoe County. This initiative is a new awareness campaign inspired from the Timmins-Porcupine District Alzheimer’s Society.
The #LightItUpBlue awareness campaign is launching in the Town of Collingwood this January with an intention to have every community across the County participating in 2024.
“We are starting in the Town of Collingwood as an area we are looking to connect more deeply with this year to raise awareness about programs and supports our Society offers for free in the community for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and their care partners. We are also fortunate to have Collingwood businesses community partners that are supporting our #LightItUpBlue awareness campaign as our Dementia Champions,” says Ann-Marie Kungl, CEO.
Blue light bulbs are available Monday December 19th until Tuesday January 31st, 2023. In Collingwood, light bulbs are available with a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County at any of these Dementia Champion locations: CARSTAR Collingwood, Haven Home and Gifts, IG Wealth Management, the VON Adult Day Program Collingwood, The Body Bar Apothecary and Wellness, Kalola Spa, and The Shop Barber and Brand. Light bulbs are also available through the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County’s Barrie office location at 20 Anne St. South. Please call 705-726-1066 in advance to confirm a pick-up.
A full list of businesses will be listed at http://alzheimersimcoecounty.ca/.
“Everyone is welcome to participate by lighting up their home, business or agency blue through the month of January as a way to show support and spark conversations about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,” says Kungl. “Be a dementia champion and help to shine a light on the importance of dementia friendly communities across the region.”
“This initiative is designed raise awareness through the use of a visual element. The blue light is a really beautiful focal point and aligns with the blue forget-me-not flower, which is associated to Alzheimer Societies. Overall, the #LightItUpBlue campaign will put a spotlight on the importance of the roles we all have in supporting inclusive dementia friendly communities” says Katie McIsaac, Digital Communications Manager.
About the Society
The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County is a registered charity operating in the community since 1985, providing support services, education, public awareness, social recreational programs and research support.
On average, 62 people are referred each month to the Society by health system partners, families, or individuals themselves looking to get connected to supports. Programs are offered free of charge for individual’s living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and their care partners.
Over 40% of the Society’s budget is dependent on donations. Any amount helps them provide local outreach to more individuals needing their support. Donate now.
During the January Alzheimer’s Awareness month, a winter program and service guide will be released that includes details on a new in-home recreation program.
For more information on how to connect with support services or volunteer with them please visit alzheimersimcoecounty.ca or call 705-722-1066.
Learn more about the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
