With the number of people living with dementia in Canada expected to rise to 1.7 million people by 2050, it has never been more important for British Columbians to think about their brain health, gain enthusiasm for brain science and lead healthier lives.

One way Comox Valley residents can show a commitment to brain health is by supporting the Alzheimer Society of B.C.鈥檚 flagship fundraiser, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer鈥檚, presented by Go Auto. Organized by committed volunteers from across the province, the walk in Comox Valley and other communities on Sunday, May 28 honours and celebrates the lives of people affected by dementia.

鈥淓ach year the Walk for Alzheimer鈥檚 touches the lives of people in our community by showing them that we are here and that they are not alone on the dementia journey,鈥� says Steven Rayson, volunteer committee chair for the Comox Valley.

Rayson and other volunteers work tirelessly each year to ensure residents can come together with the shared goal of creating a dementia-friendly province. The Walk for Alzheimer鈥檚 raises awareness, as well as vital funds that enable research into the causes and cures of dementia.

It also allows the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to provide programs and services to people with dementia and their caregivers.

鈥淎s a volunteer, the immense joy and sense of pride we feel right from the start of planning until the day of the event is unparalleled. It鈥檚 what brings us back year after year with a renewed sense of commitment and passion,鈥� added Rayson. 鈥淭his year is no different!鈥�

鈥淭his event is a passionate call for change in our communities and a common thread that brings together family members, friends and the community at large each year to raise awareness for Alzheimer鈥檚 disease and other dementias,鈥� said Colleen Cahoon, Alzheimer Society of B.C.鈥檚 manager, regional services for Vancouver Island. 鈥淚 look forward to another successful year and seeing new and returning faces at all our walks.鈥�

More than 85,000 people live with dementia across the province 鈥� and that number is continually growing. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is here to provide the support people need to maintain the best quality of life possible throughout their journey.

The society鈥檚 vision of a dementia-friendly B.C. is made possible through the generous support of fundraisers participating in events like the Walk for Alzheimer鈥檚.

Who will you walk for?

Visit to register, fundraise and learn more about your local event.

The Comox Valley Walk For Alzheimer鈥檚 will take place at the Lewis Centre (489 Old Island Highway, Courtenay), at 11 a.m. on May 28. Registration is from 10-11 a.m.

For more information, contact Stephanie Sorenson or Nick Dunn at comoxvalleywalkchair@alzheimerbc.org