Hundreds of people clad in bright, yellow t-shirts will be spotted on Friday, September 18, 2009 around the intersection of Finch and Warden. They will be participating in St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre’s annual Walkathon. The Walkathon, the Centre’s biggest fundraising event of the year, raises money to support programs and services at St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre that help seniors live independently in dignity and wellness.
The focus this year is on St. Paul’s Day Programs. St. Paul’s has four Day Programs, two of which are culturally-specific to Greek and Chinese speakers. Day Programs provide social, recreational and therapeutic programs designed to help isolated or frail individuals and those with cognitive impairments, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, maintain their maximum level of functioning and independence. Clients and caregivers depend on St. Paul’s Day Programs for resources, respite and guidance as they deal with the stresses of caring for loved ones.
The strain on caregivers can be difficult to manage. All clients are assigned a case manager, a licensed health care professional who provides guidance, resources and helps navigates family members through the health care system. Larry Burke, Executive Director of St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre says, "Caregiver support systems are a key to keeping our seniors living independently in the community. Our Day Programs are an integral part of this caregiver support framework.” For many individuals and their families, the support and services Day Programs offer can make a world of difference.
Registration for the Walkathon will start at 9:00am and last until 1:00pm and all participants will receive loot bags. Participants will practice warm up exercises before embarking on a route that begins at St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre and extends into Bridlewood Mall before returning to St. Paul’s courtyard. Walkers will enjoy a free BBQ, and an afternoon of entertainment with Adam Timoon. There are lots of great prizes to be given away such as a Nintendo Wii, a weekend getaway and spa packages. Many thanks go to our sponsors, Bridlewood Mall, DPI Media Group, RBC, Ming Pao Daily News, Natrel, Shoppers Drug Mart, Scotiabank, Kraft and Rubbermaid, Toronto Community News and Scarborough Mirror.
All are invited to join in the event and have fun as a participant or volunteer. All proceeds will go towards St. Paul’s Day Programs. For more information, contact Karen Wall, Recreation Coordinator at 416-493-3333 ext 256.
