REGINA — Across Saskatchewan, thousands of people are preparing to take part in a fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society.
On Saturday, May 30 in-person walks are planned in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current and Moosomin in support of people living with all forms of dementia and the families caring for them.
Organized by the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, the annual walk is the organization’s largest fundraiser and one of the top peer-to-peer fundraising events in Canada.
This year’s event comes as dementia continues affecting more Saskatchewan families than ever before.
“Approximately over 20,000 people in Saskatchewan are diagnosed with dementia,” explained Nicole Donison, revenue development co-ordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. “So this fundraiser helps support the families and the person living with dementia.”
The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan currently supports more than 3,500 people from 385 communities across the province through education, support programs, caregiver resources and direct assistance for families navigating Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Donison said the impact of dementia reaches far beyond the individual diagnosis itself.
“As we know, each diagnosis affects not only the individual, but spouses, children, caregivers and friends as well,” she stated.
Funds raised through the walk help the organization continue delivering programs and services across Saskatchewan, including direct support for individuals and caregivers.
“In 2025, there have been recorded over 5,000 hours of direct support,” Donison expressed. “So we’re able to do that because of our donors and fundraising.”
The walk itself is designed to be both supportive and family-friendly.
“When you come to the walk, there is a family zone with activities for all ages,” Donison said. “There’s a snack station where you’re able to pick up a snack, get a drink of water. We have our Meadow of Memories where you are able to honour your loved ones.”
Registration begins at 10 a.m. in most locations, with the walk starting at 11 a.m. and closing ceremonies scheduled around noon. Several communities will also host barbecues following the event.
Participants can register individually, join an existing team, or create their own fundraising team online through the official Walk for Alzheimer’s website.
“If you need any help at all, you can always give us a call at our provincial office,” Donison noted. “We will be very happy to help you register.”
The Saskatchewan walks are part of a larger national initiative taking place in communities across Canada on the same day. Swift Current’s event will also mark a major milestone this year.
“Swift Current was one of our first walks that ever was created,” Donison explained. “This year is going to be a big one for them. It’s going to be their 25th walk year.”
For organizers, the event is about much more than fundraising totals.
It is about building connection, reducing isolation, and showing families they are supported during one of life’s most difficult journeys.
“I think it’s important to say that we are ensuring that people who are living with dementia and their care partners don’t need to walk this journey alone,” Donison expressed.
“I love that the walk brings the community together. It shows that many people have similar experiences. We are all in this together.”
