IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s 2025
We’re excited to walk with you this May & June!
Did you know you can earn prizes for the Walk pledges you raise? The more you raise, the more you qualify! You can also choose to donate your prize back to the Society, raising even more to support the important work we do to help families living with dementia across Manitoba.
Check out the chart below to see all available prizes.
Fundraise today and show off your new gear at your local Walk!
Winnipeg Walk
Saturday, May 24 at 10 am
Assiniboine Park, Lyric Theatre
Walk Agenda:
10 am – Check-in
10:45 am – Warm-up
11 am – Walk begins!
12 pm – Lunch
Host: Ace Burpee, 103.1 Virgin Radio
More walks to join this year:
- Altona
Wednesday, June 4
The Gardens on Tenth
- Brandon
Thursday, May 29
Riverbank Discovery Centre - Darlingford
Saturday, June 21
Darlingford Memorial Park - Gimli
Friday, June 27
Betel Personal Care Home
- Portage la Prairie
Thursday, June 19
Island Park - Selkirk
Thursday June 5
Gordon Howard Centre
- Steinbach
Thursday May 29
AD Penner Park
Check out the official Walk website to register and donate.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Support a Great Cause
Christine & family at the Winnipeg Walk
Lace up your sneakers – the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s returns to Winnipeg on May 24, with more walks happening across the province throughout May and June. It’s a chance to come together as a community to raise funds for a great cause and show people living with dementia that they’re not alone.
IG Wealth Management has been a proud sponsor of the Walk since 2015. Christine Van Cauwenberghe, Head of Financial Planning at IG, began participating in this annual event in 2017. She, along with her coworkers who also attend the Walk, understand the importance of the cause.
“When you see all those people, many who have a personal connection to dementia, you realize how important the Alzheimer Society is, and will continue to be, as an organization – especially as our population ages,” she says.
Christine sees that impact firsthand. In her role at IG Wealth Management, she helps families plan for the future, often with dementia in mind. From reviewing powers of attorney to educating clients on how to avoid financial abuse, her team regularly supports clients facing the realities of the disease. It’s one of the reasons the cause is close to her heart.
Christine has also come to appreciate the spirit of the day, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
“You’re in Winnipeg, so you never know what the weather is going to be like,” she says with a laugh. “There are the days where the tents and balloons are almost getting completely blown away… but rain or shine, people come out and they’re always excited to be there.”
That sense of commitment sticks with her, and so does the resilience she sees in the people walking alongside her. “It doesn’t matter what the weather has in store for the day because people’s passion for helping families affected by dementia shines through it all,” she says.
Join Our Growing Team
Our team at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is growing, which means there are some exciting opportunities available.
We are currently hiring for a Director of Development and a South Eastman Regional Coordinator. If you think you’d be a good fit for one of these positions, check out the full job postings at the following links. We invite all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
These positions will remain open until filled.
South Eastman Regional Coordinator
Provide Your Feedback – Manitoba’s New Seniors’ Advocate
The Government of Manitoba has committed to creating an independent Seniors’ Advocate.
The Seniors Advocate Act has been proclaimed to come into force on Nov. 1, 2025.
The hiring process for this new independent Seniors’ Advocate has begun, and the Manitoba Government wants to hear from you!
The independent advocate will report to the legislative assembly and be tasked with identifying and evaluating issues faced by seniors and elders and making recommendations to the government. These recommendations could be on a wide range of government services including health care, housing and government programs and supports.
Share your thoughts on the new Senior’s Advocate here: Manitoba’s New Seniors’ Advocate | engagemb.ca
Empowering Others by Sharing Our Stories
“One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you’re going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.” – Brené Brown
Support groups are a way for care partners to learn and grow together through their personal experiences.
Sharyn Gusdal is an example of a care partner who uses her personal experiences to give back and help others overcome challenges.
Sharyn was a care partner to her mom, Lavina, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. The pair lived in Brandon, and Sharyn routinely brought her mom to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Westman office to participate in programming.
Sharyn Gusdal, Volunteer Care Partner Support Group Facilitator
It didn’t take long for Sharyn to lend a hand around the office and help facilitate programming to support the staff. She became a regular volunteer, passionate about spreading awareness and supporting an organization that meant a lot to her and her mom.
“The Westman regional office was a lifeline for me and my mom in many ways,” Sharyn says. “I wanted to be involved in any way I could.”
After her mom passed, Sharyn moved back to Winnipeg, hoping to find volunteer opportunities through the Society’s Winnipeg office. She wanted to share what she learned while caring for her mom to help other families navigate dementia.
In 2022, she saw that the Society was looking for a volunteer facilitator for care partner support groups and knew it was right up her alley.
“I really enjoy interacting with care partners,” Sharyn says. “I enjoy seeing people leave meetings feeling better than they did when they came in. It’s fulfilling — to lighten their hearts and minds — knowing they leave feeling more empowered,” she says.
As a support group facilitator, Sharyn opens up about her experiences with her mom, passing on tools, strategies and advice she gained as a care partner. She knows how impactful sharing with others can be, having attended care partner support groups herself back in Brandon.
“I feel like my story is something I can give back,” Sharyn says. “I come from a profession of helping people and now I can continue to help others through my own experiences.
If you’re interested in joining a support group, you can find a list of all current offerings on our Support Group page.
Our First Link Client Support Team is here to help everyone who is navigating a dementia journey. If you’re facing challenges or in need support, call us anytime at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) / 1-800-378-6622 (Manitoba) or email [email protected]. You can also fill out our online form and we’ll reach out to you.
It’s Never Too Early to Start the Conversation
Jessica Harper, First Link® Senior Manager, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
We all expect certain changes as we age, but when does a small change become something worth paying attention to?
Jessica Harper, First Link® Senior Manager at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, oversees the Client Support team, who connect with people every day when they aren’t sure if it’s the right time for them to call and get support. The answer is always the same: it’s never too early to start the conversation.
“Anytime someone is concerned about the signs and symptoms of dementia, we can be their link to a community of support,” says Jessica. “Our programs are geared to people living with any type of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s disease. But you don’t need a formal diagnosis to access our services.”
Dementia care often involves different care providers at different times, such as doctors, specialists and home care services. But these supports can be temporary, changing as a person’s needs evolve. The Alzheimer Society remains a constant support, helping families find answers, adjust to changes and feel supported at every step.
“Oftentimes, we’re the only consistent support or service provider throughout the dementia journey,” Jessica says.
First Link: Your Connection to Support
The Alzheimer Society’s First Link® Client Support program connects people living with dementia and their families to information, support services and education as early as possible and throughout the progression of the disease. The program helps you understand what to expect as dementia progresses, plan ahead for important decisions and find strategies that make day-to-day life easier.
For some families, staying connected to the Alzheimer Society can even help delay the need for long-term care by giving caregivers tools to support people living with dementia at home.
“We can provide you with information through one-to-one support, but we also have a lot of recreational programming, education workshops and support group offerings to help you,” Jessica says. “There are so many different ways you can connect with us.”
Jessica explains one-to-one support is available in whatever way works best for you – by phone, email, virtual or in-person meetings. Some people call because they have questions about dementia and others want to talk through what they’re experiencing, whether they’ve been diagnosed themselves or are supporting someone else.
Every conversation looks different, but no matter what questions you have, the Society is a place to turn for guidance and understanding.
To get connected, call 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) or 1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba), or visit alzheimer.mb.ca
Ride for Alzheimer’s
(Left to right) Kyla Wiebe, Donor Relations Officer at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Roxanne Springer & Ken Madsen
Roxanne Springer has been passionate about making a difference for families living with dementia for a long time. This past January, she turned to her community, and they answered back – braving snowy weather and icy rural roads to attend her first Ride for Alzheimer’s snowmobile poker derby held in Faulkner to support Manitobans impacted by dementia.
The event was a huge success, with around 70 snowmobile riders participating and well over 400 poker hands purchased.
“I’ve always wanted to host a fundraiser to help support families living with dementia and feel so happy with how this event turned out,” Roxanne says.
Alzheimer’s has played a significant part in Roxanne’s life. Her grandfather passed away from dementia in 2005, and she saw just how life-altering this disease can be for both the person living with it and those caring for them.
“It all comes back to my grandfather,” she says. “Alzheimer’s is a mean disease. It was hard to see my grandfather’s skills and abilities change even though he was physically well.”
Roxanne’s family cared for her grandfather at home until the end and she saw every step of dementia, every change and every struggle. “Seeing him each day and having him not know me was tough. He had difficulty communicating with anyone, it was almost like he was stuck inside of himself,” she says. “I’ve wanted to do all I can to help other families who are struggling with dementia ever since and hope one day we can find a cure.”
Thanks to Roxanne’s hard work and dedication, her event raised $6,810, which was donated to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. These funds help the Society continue its work so families have a place to turn for guidance and support.
Roxanne’s goal for January 2026 is to make her event even bigger – no matter what the weather brings.
“It was truly humbling. I didn’t realize how many people in our area have someone they know affected by dementia. It just makes you want to fight harder. I’m so thankful and proud of what our community accomplished together.”
To learn more about how you can support the Alzheimer Society and families impacted by dementia through fundraising events, visit our Anything for Alzheimer’s page.
Ask the Expert: The Emotional Impact of Caregiving
QUESTION: I feel like I’m on a constant emotional rollercoaster as a care partner. Is this normal? What can I do to help protect my well-being?
Jamie Penner, RN, PhD(c), Director, Curriculum Integrity, Instructor II College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Caregiving can have some positive impacts on your emotional health, offering you opportunities for personal growth, finding a sense of purpose and strengthening your relationships with the person living with dementia and other family members.
However, it may also lead to negative health outcomes such as increased stress, anxiety, depression, social isolation, burnout, exhaustion and increased risk of chronic disease.
Throughout the progression of dementia, care partners may experience a range of complex emotions such as:
- Denial about the diagnosis
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- Uncertainty about the future
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Anger in relation to the challenges and demands of caregiving
- Feeling a loss of control
- Exhaustion or burnout
- Guilt related to past reactions
These are all valid things to feel, and learning to live with these emotions can help you move forward as a care partner.
To help stay on top of your emotional well-being, equip yourself with knowledge about dementia, challenging symptoms and what to expect as the disease progresses.
It’s also important to take breaks. These breaks can be short, but the key is to take them regularly before exhaustion hits. Finding opportunities and resources for respite can be challenging, but if you’re able to have friends or family members help you out on certain days, this can allow you to take some time back for yourself.
To those who know someone caring for a person living with dementia – it’s essential to acknowledge the role they play. You can help alleviate some of their stress by offering assistance, spending time with them and letting them know about resources available, including those offered by the Alzheimer Society.
Learn more about the emotional impacts of caregiving by joining Jamie for a free education session on May 27, from 2 – 3 pm via Zoom. Click here to learn more and register.
Spring Education Sessions
Join us this spring and learn about a variety of topics related to dementia and caregiving. These sessions are free to attend and offered via Zoom.
Click here to register for all Family Education sessions.
Here’s what’s coming up next:
The Emotional Impact of Caregiving
Caring for someone living with dementia changes life in big ways. These shifts can spark complex feelings which can have a major impact on a care partner’s overall health and well-being. Join Jamie for a discussion about focusing on one’s emotional well-being from time of diagnosis through to end of life.
Tuesday, May 27 | 2 – 3 pm
Living with Dementia: First Steps – Part 3
*Please note you do not need to attend the Living with Dementia series in order.
The third session of a three-part information series for people supporting someone recently diagnosed with dementia. Learn from health and industry professionals as they discuss the disease progression and provide information on services and resources available. This webinar includes an overview of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Home Care Services.
Saturday, June 7 | 10 – 11:15 am
You can choose to watch these online sessions in-person at the Alzheimer Society office (10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg) – the speaker will not be presenting in-person. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in this option.
Click here for a printable spring education & program calendar
Family Education programs sponsored by:
Upcoming Community Presentations
Check out these upcoming community presentations and expand your knowledge of dementia! These sessions are free to attend.
- Building Dementia-Friendly Communities (view poster)
Facilitated by Rebecca Atkinson, South Central Regional Coordinator
Gain a greater understanding of dementia and how you can help create safer and inclusive spaces for those living with the disease.
Wednesday, May 21
Drop-in Q&A: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Presentation: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Morden Activity Centre (306 N Railway St)
No registration is required. - Safe Living on the Dementia Journey (view poster)
Facilitated by Rebecca Atkinson, South Central Regional Coordinator
Join us for tips and resources that can help care partners find balance and peace of mind in supporting someone living with dementia, while providing a safe and secure environment.
Friday, June 6 | 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Winkler Senior Centre (650 S Railway Ave)
To register, please call Cathleen at 204-325-8964
Fun Things to do This May
Participating in our community partner programs is a great way to get out, learn something new and see some friendly faces! If you’re looking to get out into the community to enjoy a fun activity, check out our current programs.
Dalnavert Museum Dementia-Friendly Tours
Come to the Dalnavert Museum for their monthly dementia-friendly tours. This program allows people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia and their care partners to step back in time and explore the historic house and its collection.
After your tour of the museum, enjoy tea and coffee and a closer look at some artifacts.
Please note: The upper floors of the museum are only accessible by stairs. If stairs pose a barrier, there will be the option of exploring the upper floors of the house with a tour guide in the Visitors’ Centre through our virtual tour. Folding cane-seats can be borrowed free of charge during your visit and there will be seating available throughout the museum.
Monthly Program
Dalnavert Museum, 61 Carlton St, Winnipeg
The last Saturday of every month, 10 – 11:30 am (The next tour is Saturday, May 31)
Cost: $24.00 (plus tax) per pair and session, $12.00 per pair and session if one of the pair is a Dalnavert Museum Member
Register today on the Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre website
Tune-Up Café (Convalescent Home of Winnipeg)
Tune-Up Café is for individuals living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners. It’s an inclusive and welcoming meeting place for singing, making social connections and sipping on a cuppa!
Spring Program
Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, 276 Hugo St North, Winnipeg
Tuesdays, 6:15 – 8 pm
Meets weekly
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
Contact Sherry at [email protected] for more information and to register.
You’re Invited to Our Annual General Meeting
Please join us as we celebrate a year of accomplishments at our Annual General Meeting.
Wednesday, June 18
Alzheimer Society – Provincial Office
10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB (Mezzanine Level)
5:30 pm
RSVP to Bonny Neal by Friday, June 13 at [email protected] or 204-943-6622.
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We Rely on Your Donations to Continue Our Work
Your gifts help support individuals, families and communities affected by dementia.
Remember. You Are Not Alone.
Are you struggling to figure out your next steps? Our First Link® Client Support team is here to listen and help guide you through difficult times – from when you are concerned about your own, a family member or a friend’s memory, right through to the later symptoms of dementia. Call us today at 204-943-6622 (Wpg) / 1-800-378-6622 (MB), email [email protected] or fill out our online form and we will reach out to you.