Media
Release
For
immediate release
Feb. 13, 2006
For more information:
Stacey Johnson, Alzheimer Society of Canada
(416)488-8772, ext. 244, pr@alzheimer.ca
Tenth Annual Alzheimer Coffee Break Fundraiser Tops $1 Million
Toronto, February 13, 2006 -- Whether they liked it black, regular or double-double, Canadians came out in the thousands to support the tenth annual Alzheimer Coffee Break™ held at 9,000 locations across the country to raise funds for local Alzheimer Societies. Thanks to their generosity, local Alzheimer Societies together raised $1,183,350 in 2005. Topping last year's results by 8 per cent, the proceeds will go towards supporting programs and services for people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in their local communities.
"I am very pleased with the turnout and level of support that we are still receiving after ten years and thankful to all the people who took the time to organize or attend a coffee break and make a donation," says Stephen Rudin, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "While this year's event didn't land us in the Guinness Book of Records as we had hoped, it gives our supporters something to strive towards in the future."
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that currently affects 1 in 20 Canadians over the age of 65 or 1 in 4 over 85 (an estimated 290,000 people). Each year in Canada, approximately $5.5 billion is spent on Canadians with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This amount is expected to increase dramatically as baby boomers start turning 60 and approach the age of highest risk. Presently, there is no known cause or cure for the disease.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada is grateful to our 2005 Alzheimer Coffee Break sponsors: Pfizer Canada Inc. -- a sponsor since 1997 -- Joey's Only Seafood Restaurants and Creative Memories. Appreciation is also extended to in-kind sponsor Sara Lee.
The 11th annual Alzheimer Coffee Break will be held on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006. This year is the 100th anniversary of the identification of Alzheimer's disease by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist and psychiatrist.
About Alzheimer Coffee Break
Alzheimer Coffee Break is the Alzheimer Society's nationwide fundraiser. Through a network of provincial and local organizations, the Society operates support and educational programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, and funds research. The Society's programs are funded primarily by donations from caring Canadians. If you would like more information about the event or to host a coffee break, please call 1-888-815-6829 or visit www.alzheimer.ca.
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