Family Funds
Learn how individual families support the work of the Alzheimer Society and help further Alzheimer research, care, treatment and prevention.
The "Hope for the Future" Fund
Dear Friends and Families
When wife, mother and grandmother, Lorraine Geddes passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, in 2006, our family began our relationship with the Alzheimer’s Society London and Middlesex. While we watched her sad struggle we became prepared to assume some responsibility toward future generations. We honour this responsibility through the Alzheimer’s Society London and Middlesex.
In 2007, we created a family fund committed to the mission of ending Alzheimer’s disease. This new vehicle, The Hope for the Future Fund is dedicated to our children and grandchildren with the hope that they will not suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
The Hope for the Future Fund aids the Society’s efforts to increase public awareness of the continuing strides in research, patient care and increased awareness about brain health. Donations contributed to this fund help to support research, educational programs and support services for families like ours dealing with the disease on a daily basis.
Please join our efforts through contributions to the Hope for the Future Fund and support our vision to ease the burden of Alzheimer’s disease.
Yours sincerely,
Stewart, John, Bob……
Donations to the "Hope for the Future" fund can be made by clicking here or by calling Jackie Ellefsen at 519-680-2404 Ext. 230.
Barbara McKay Respite Fund
“Care can only be received to the extent that the caregivers are personally prepared and ready to engage in these interactions. It is inherent that the caretakers be nurtured themselves and experience sustained caring support in order to transmit this quality of care to others.” Anonymous
When Barbara McKay received a diagnosis of ‘early onset Alzheimer’s disease’ Barbara was still in her 50’s and anxious to maintain her life at home for as long as possible with her husband and caregiver Bob.
It was not long before Bob realized that the burden of caring for Barbara was beyond his expectation and it became necessary for him to look into the possibility of obtaining ‘respite support,’ enabling him to do the shopping, pursue hobbies or visit with friends. Bob continued to rely on the services of the two wonderful support workers who provided this respite until it became necessary for Barbara to be admitted to Long Term Care.
Reflecting on how wonderful the benefits of respite had been, Bob wondered how difficult the Alzheimer journey would be for those caregivers who were unable to afford such support services.
Bob approached the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex to establish a fund in Barbara’s name, with the goal of supporting the respite needs of caregivers in financial need. The Barbara McKay Respite Fund was created in May 2005. This fund continues to assist people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, by providing relief to the caregivers and programmed support for those living with this disease.
Donations to the Barbara McKay respite fund can be made by clicking here or by calling Jackie Ellefsen at 519-680-2404 Ext. 230.
