Final preparations are being made for the Alzheimer Society - London and Middlesex chapter's biggest fundraiser of the year.
The Cabin Fever Reliever will be held February 27 at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn.
Susan Oster, public education coordinator for the Alzheimer Society, says the annual dinner and auction is a vital source of revenue for the agency.
"Our active client base has increased by 50% over the last two years and we are expecting that trend to continue as baby boomers are aging," says Oster. "We have been increasing our delivery of programs to meet the demand but with our operating budget being only 30% funded by the government it makes it a little more difficult."
Now in its 23rd year, the annual Cabin Fever Reliever has raised a combined total of $1.2-million for the Alzheimer Society. That money funded a variety of services throughout the community.
"We support people not only with dementia but also their caregivers and family members. We also work to provide education and awareness to people in the community. We have funding for research which is also local," says Oster.
In January, the society launched the "#Still Here" campaign. It focuses on reducing the stigma around Alzheimer's and educates the public that those living with the disease still have something to offer.
"The message is something that we have always tried to have out there. It's to talk about the importance of including the people who have dementia in the conversation and to not lose that voice," says Oster. "It's important to not be talking for people with dementia. It's important to be listening to them."
Tickets for the Cabin Fever Reliever are still available. For more information visit the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex's website at www.alzheimerlondon.ca.
