Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex annual walk raises awareness and support

by Garrett Fodor

Behind many of the footsteps this weekend were memories of loved ones, personal experiences, and a shared commitment to supporting families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

  As the sun shone down, Windsor-Essex residents laced up their shoes and joined communities across Canada for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, raising awareness and funds for those living with dementia and their families.

  Locally, the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County (ASWE) hosted two walks, one on Saturday through Lakeside Park in Kingsville and another on Sunday around Windsor’s Ford Test Track, helping ensure those affected by dementia do not walk alone.

  “Everything we raise goes directly back into our programs for people living with dementia and their care partners, so we’re able to provide expanded programming,” Kaela Calcara, Communications, Volunteer, and Event Planner with the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County, said. “We try to provide things at no cost or very little cost. We now have three-day programs, recently opening one in Essex, so it all goes back to help the greatest needs we have within our community.”

  Calcara said the local organization currently supports around 3,000 families, while nationally, the Alzheimer Society reports more than 750,000 people are living with dementia, a number projected to reach 1M by 2030.

  Alongside the walks, participants had access to additional programming, including free pre-walk yoga, stretching sessions, entertainment, and other activities. Memorial elements were also included, such as a garden of pinwheels that participants could dedicate to loved ones living with or lost to dementia. In Kingsville, a memory board also allowed walkers to leave messages and share who they were walking for.

  In total, nearly 300 people participated locally across both walks, raising about $50,000, surpassing last year’s total. Through IG Wealth Management’s national partnership, a portion of the funds raised is matched. Since the partnership began in 2015, more than $50M has been raised in support of the Alzheimer Society.

  Calcara said she is grateful for the strong community support from sponsors and volunteers, estimating that more than 40 volunteers helped locally across the two events. She also highlighted the contributions of Barbara Pye, who played a key role in organizing the Kingsville walk and coordinating volunteers. She added that she is grateful for everyone who attended and supported the 2026 edition of the 2026 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

  With the 2026 edition in the books, they will work to total up the results and make an announcement soon with the final totals raised.

  To learn more about the programming offered and available through ASWE, Calcara notes they can visit their website at www.alzheimer.ca/windsoressex/en or contact ASWE directly.