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Whistler’s annual Walk for Alzheimer’s is returning to the resort as an in-person event on May 29.
“This is our fifth walk in Whistler,” said Whistler Alzheimer’s Walk Committee chair Erika Durlacher.
“The event is the flagship fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. The funds raised provide support services and education for those affected with dementia and enable research into the causes of and cures for the disease.”
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to memory impairment, dementia and a slow loss of bodily functions that can last years, ultimately leading to death.
As of 2020, there are at least 50 million people with the disease across the globe. The majority of cases affect people over 65.
Approximately 70,000 British Columbians are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and more than two-thirds of British Columbians have personally known someone who has had it.
The annual charity walk in Whistler is designed to bring awareness to the disease and encourage people to raise money for research and aid. The fundraiser enables the society to provide vital services to British Columbians affected by the disease, including the First Link Dementia Helpline, which is often the first link people have to support services.
“The event is the largest fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., enabling the charity to continue to provide crucial programs and services to British Columbians affected by dementia, while it also supports valuable dementia research,” said Durlacher.
“There are typically over 20 events held in communities across the province. Each of these events is dedicated to an honouree—an individual or group affected by dementia or who has valuably contributed to the lives of people living with the disease. This year the Whistler Walk honours Andy and Cheryl Szocs.”
Andy Szocs has been an active philanthropist in Whistler for decades, regularly contributing to causes he holds dear. The Szocs family, along with the Clark Family Foundation, have already stepped up to commit up to $55,555 to this year’s Whistler event through a substantial lead gift and matching campaign. For a limited time, any funds donated by community members to the event will be matched, up to $20,000. You can double your impact by registering for the Whistler Walk at walkforalzheimers.ca.
The Alzheimer’s cause is important to Szocs because of his mother, who fought the disease for a decade but always kept an optimistic point of view.
“She was always happy. She joked about it,” said Szocs.
Szocs’ mother, Mary, passed away in 2010 at 91 years old. To honour her, Szocs gave a substantial sum of money to renovate a church in Kecsked, Hungary, a small rural village an hour west of the capital Budapest where his mother grew up.
He has continued to be a significant contributor to the Alzheimer’s foundation, which is why he has been named the honoree for this year’s walk.
“The fact is that my mom had it for 10 years, and I’m really proud to be honoured this way, but also it’s more of how can I motivate other people to donate?” said Szocs.
“People tend to forget about the value of people living with Alzheimer’s disease, but they’re still here, and they can contribute. Mom wasn’t a celebrity. She was an incredible, loving, caring individual who represented so many more people living with dementia.
“People have to realize that giving is a wonderful thing, but it’s a huge responsibility. I want to give to an organization where I can make the most impact.”
The 2022 event will take place at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 29. Find more info at alzbc.org/walk.
