Walkers raise over $1,000 for Alzheimers

Ken Johnston
Editor

Their numbers were small on one side, but very big on the other.
Four people participated in the First Annual Alzheimer’s Walk in Rainy River on Saturday. Together they raised a total of $1,053, a figure that Alzheimer Society Executive Director Marg Schonewille said was, “Outstanding!”
Leading the foursome for most money raised was Marlene McNally who raised $603 all on her own. Larry Armstrong participated in a challenge to Rainy River town council, picking up sponsorships from the other councillors and CIBC. He raised $150. Donna Ivall raised $142 and Rachel Marquis raised $73. Other donations came in after the walk to top the day off at $1,053.
With the rainy weather the route for the walk was shortened but top money raiser Marlene McNally said, “I must have walked 40 miles to get all those sponsors.” For her efforts she won a free weekend stay in Winnipeg.
Schonewille said that the Kenora/Rainy River Alzheimer Society took over fundraising and care concerns about a year ago. This was the first event that they have been responsible for in the Rainy River area. Previously fundraisers like the Rainy River Record’s annual Alzheimer Coffee Break was administered by Thunder Bay’s society.
She said that there are over 1,000 people in the Kenora/Rainy River area with Alzheimer disease. Her office offers a lending library of information on the disease, one on one support for families and support groups for caregivers.