The annual North Island Investors Group Walk for Memories raised a record amount this year.

Pat Redhead, event co-chair, said the North Island walk for Alzheimer's disease, held on Jan. 29, raised about $15,800, and she is very pleased.

"It's absolutely wonderful. It exceeded my expectations and I'm just thrilled," said Redhead. "I think last year was about $9,500, so it's quite an increase."

Redhead added that provincially, the walk raised about $690,000, which exceeded the goal of $650,000.

Proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Society of BC to help people living with the disease or related dementias by connecting them to information, services and support. The society also provides funding for research into the causes and cures of the disease.

Traditionally, the North Island walk was held at the Lewis Centre in Courtenay, but organizers are now alternating the walk between Campbell River and Courtenay each year, starting by holding the walk in Campbell River this year.

Another first for this this year was that the walk was held inside of the Campbell River Common, whereas it's normally held outside in Courtenay.

Redhead said an outdoor part may be added to the Campbell River walk at some point in the future, but the indoor walk is here to stay.

"We may add an outdoor component to it, but the indoor walk was very successful," said Redhead. "A lot of people are older and they wouldn't be able to do a five kilometre walk or something like that anyway, so I think that we're going to keep the indoor component for sure."

The walk will be back in Courtenay next year, and planning will get underway in March.