Media
Release
For
immediate release
Sept. 21, 2007
For more information:
Patricia Wilkinson
Manager, Media Relations and Communications
Office: 1-800-616-8816 or (416)847-2959
Mobile: 416-669-5715
PWilkinson@alzheimer.ca
Alzheimer Society receives $1 million gift on
World Alzheimer's Day
September 21, 2007 —Today on World Alzheimer's Day, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is pleased to
announce its receipt of a $1 million legacy gift.
This donation, the largest single legacy gift in the Society's history, will be used to help fund critical
Alzheimer research, as well as support other important programs and services. The funds were left to the
Alzheimer Society of Canada through the will of an Ottawa resident, who witnessed the devastating effects
Alzheimer's disease had on those in her community and wanted to make a difference.
"We continue to be humbled by the generosity of Canadians, and are particularly grateful for the thoughtfulness
behind this very important gift," says Scott Dudgeon, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer Society
of Canada. "Legacy giving is a very satisfying and meaningful way for people to make a difference. It is within
reach of everyone, regardless of their economic status, and can be done in a way that doesn't impact their
lifestyle, or that of their family."
A portion of the funds will be used to support the Alzheimer Society's Research Program. Celebrating its
20th anniversary in 2007/08, the research program helps support some of the country's best and brightest
minds find answers in revention, treatments, and most importantly, a cure.
"We know that research remains the key to a cure, but there is still much work to be done," adds Dudgeon. "We need the support of both the Canadian public, as well as the Federal Government, in order to ensure
enough dollars are being spent on this very important work."
With this in mind, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is calling on the federal government to make dementia a national health priority by sponsoring the development of a Canadian Dementia Management Strategy. The
strategy would include key issues such as research, prevention, diagnosis, improved treatment, improved care
and care for caregivers.
The Society is also calling on Canadians to let their voice be heard by becoming an Alzheimer advocate. By joining together with the Society, people can be part of a powerful tool for change,
working to create a future without Alzheimer's disease.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer Society or our advocacy campaign, please visit www.alzheimer.ca.
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