Investors Group Walk for Memories - Nanaimo

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Sunday, January 26th, 2014
11:00 AM

ALZHEIMER`S WALK HONORS NANAIMO RESIDENT, NEEDS PARTICIPANTS

Peter Backus has long been a believer in giving back to his community. This year he's hoping other Nanaimo residents embrace the idea too.
The retired RCMP officer is the honoree for the annual Investors Group Walk for Memories, a major fundraiser for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. The meaningful stroll along the city's waterfront takes place on Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Nanaimo Yacht Club.
Participants are needed to sign up and raise pledges.
Each year the Walk salutes an honoree � a person who has been impacted by Alzheimer�s disease or other dementia.
Backus, a father of five and grandfather of seven, is 2014's choice.
He was born in the farming community of Ponoka, Alta., and that's where he says he learned about giving back. He has been involved in many charities and community events such as Kinsmen and an RCMP country rock band that travelled all over the country with proceeds going to each community�s charity of choice.
He has helped numerous people throughout his career. One story that stands out in his mind happened on a snowy day when the roads were icy.
Backus was driving and saw a vehicle slide into the lake. Without hesitation he pulled over and rushed over to the sinking vehicle. The driver was a pregnant woman who was unable to get out. Backus rushed to her side pulled her out and carried her to safety.
He and wife Suzanne have benefited from the society's programs and services and have attended many fundraising events. His youngest son, Brock, has run two marathons for the society and is raising funds through the Mt. Kilimanjaro Grouse Grind.
The Investors Group Walk for Memories starts at 11a.m. on Jan. 26, with registration open at 10 a.m. at the yacht club.
To register, or donate, visit www.walkformemories.com or call 250-729-0904.
Funds raised help support the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s services in Nanaimo, which include support and information groups, and First Link, an early intervention program that helps families who are dealing with a diagnosis of Alzheimer�s disease or other dementias.
Participants who register online don't have to worry about collecting cash pledges; they can simply steer their supporters to the website, which can accept pledges with a credit card and then instantly issue a tax receipt.
More than 70,000 British Columbians are living with Alzheimer�s disease and related dementias, and �if we don�t act now, that number could more than double within a generation,� says Jane Hope, the society's education and support coordinator in Nanaimo.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease, contact Hope at 250-734-4170 or [email protected], and visit www.alzheimerbc.org