Hiking challenge supports those with dementia

You can join the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s 70,000-kilometre virtual hiking challenge to support people living with dementia.

In the past eight years, committed individuals and teams have climbed North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind every September as part of the Climb for Alzheimer’s annual fundraiser.

For the first time ever, the event will be open to anyone, anywhere in the province. This year’s event will include hikes across B.C. — from Mount Douglas in Victoria to the Summit Peak Trail in Fort Nelson.

The society is inviting the community to come together to hike a total of 70,000 kilometres — one kilometre for each individual living with dementia in B.C.

“Although the location has changed and adapted, the heart of the event remains,” says Maria Howard, Alzheimer Society of B.C. CEO. “The Climb continues to be a challenging, fun, invigorating event that makes a real difference to people in our province affected by dementia. It shows people living with dementia that they are not alone.”

Participants can register as individuals or as a team. Everybody is encouraged to share their hiking and climbing challenges online, which will help to galvanize the community spirit — a feature that makes the event so special.

Participants will be raising money to for research and to ensure people affected by dementia can access programs and services.

The event runs now until Sept. 21 — World Alzheimer’s Day. • For more information, go to climbforalzheimers.ca.