Bright and early on May 24, people in all stages of life gathered at the Westlock Gospel Chapel to start a walk for Alzheimer's. The walk raised $8,879 this year, a $1,500 increase since last year with some coming in after the event from members of the community.
The walk was about 45 minutes and an estimated 2.5 km where the 20 participants walked to the McDonalds on 100 Street and back to church, a different setup than last year says Lynn Sauve, the organizer of the Alzheimer’s walk. “I wanted to be out so that people can see what’s going on…” and what they are walking for.
Afterwards, participants gathered in the Westlock Gothel Chapel for some sweet treats and a raffle. Donuts, pizza, muffins, and more were featured in a buffet-style shindig.
While this cause wasn’t what she did it for, Sauve was happy to be involved, “It all came together and so I’m just glad I could do it and now I know I can do it.”
Sauve wanted to do something to help people and their families. “I did it because my mom went through Alzheimer’s, and then my mother-in-law went through it as well.”
Sauve has started a support group that runs every second Monday of the month in the Westlock Continuing Care Centre.
The walk first started three years ago when Sauve decided to make her own event in Westlock. “I just didn’t want to go to the city. I wanted to support our own little community as well, if I could.”
One of the participants was Ella Hoehne, a 90 year-old resident of Westlock who walked the whole thing. She was encouraged by her friend, Shannon Knowles, to come out as a way to test if she could walk from Westlock Pembina Lodge to the Baptist Church. She completed the walk valiantly and with the knowledge that she can get through anything.
While this cause wasn’t what she did it for, she was happy to be involved, “It all came together and so I’m just glad I could do it and now I know I can do it.”
In a Facebook post made by Sauve, she wanted to thank the wonderful people who assisted in setting up the event, "I am deeply grateful for each and every one of your contributions. I would also like to thank my family for their invaluable assistance with setup and donation collection. Christine Meyer for also assisting with checking in participants. I also want to express my gratitude to Carol Van Ruskenveld and the Westlock Gospel Chapel for providing us with their facility."
The event was made a success with the generous donations from Ramzi's for the pizza and Sobeys for their fruit trays. Boston Pizza, Downtown Liquor Store and Carol Montour supported the cause with door prize donations.
