Spring 2025 eNewsletter

In This Issue:

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s 2025

Walk with us this May & June!

The 2025 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is just around the corner, and we’re sharing stories to help inspire you to lace up your shoes, gather your family and friends and walk with us across the province this May and June!

We all have a reason to Walk – what’s yours? Every step makes a difference!

Make a difference & have some fun at these 2025 Walks!

Check out the official Walk website for more details and to register.

Tag us on our social media accounts and use the hashtag #IGWalkforAlz so we can be there to cheer you on!

• Facebook: @AlzheimerSocietyManitoba
• Instagram: @Alzheimermb
• X (formerly Twitter): @AlzheimerMB
• LinkedIn: Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

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Walking for Evelyn: The Big Wigs

Nicole Fontaine & Walk mascot, Tracker, at the Winnipeg Walk

The Big Wigs are one of many teams that participate in the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. Nicole Fontaine and her family named their team after her mom, Evelyn Velcourt’s, old license plate: “Big Wigs.”

For the past three years, The Big Wigs have walked in honour of Evelyn, who lives with dementia, and Evelyn’s sister Claudette, who passed away from dementia. Altogether, they’ve raised over $3,000 to help support families impacted by the disease.

“I’m so proud of my mom, her legacy is amazing,” Nicole says. “She was always trying to move the needle for the community. She’s inspired me to give back, and the Walk is one way I can do that.”

Evelyn always worked hard. Owner of Evelyn’s Wig Sales and Services in Lorette, she was a prominent leader in the community and a member of several chambers of commerce. She was passionate about helping others and used her profession to do just that, wanting everyone who stepped out of her wig shop to feel empowered and confident. She even lobbied the Manitoba government to remove the PST from wig sales for those living with hair loss due to diseases like cancer or alopecia.

Now 78 years old, Evelyn often reminisces about her old workdays with Nicole. Dementia has affected Evelyn’s memories, but listening to Nicole share stories from her past makes her proud – and a little shocked.

“Wow, I did a lot of good stuff!” Evelyn replies.

To Nicole, the Walk is a reminder to take time for yourself as a caregiver, to connect with others around you for support and to care for your physical and mental well-being, no matter how hectic your schedule gets. “The Walk brings us hope. Initially, my family and I joined the Walk to do something positive for ourselves during a time when we were facing a lot of challenges and struggling with burnout,” Nicole says.

“It’s an opportunity to reflect and connect as a family while raising awareness for a cause that’s very personal to us.”

Just like her mom, Nicole wants to help others find empowerment and confidence – and she feels that the more people know about dementia and the supportive resources the Alzheimer Society provides, the better equipped they will be to care for others and themselves.

“I’ve had a lot of family support and the Society routinely calls to check-in and see if there’s anything we need, so I always feel like I have somewhere to turn,” Nicole says. “I want others to feel this way too and have access to the help they need.”

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Sending A Message of Hope

(Left to right) Brenda’s brother, Ken, son Nathan, daughter-in-law Jenn, granddaughter Rylie, Brenda and son Garth at the Gimli Walk

Gimli is gearing up for the 2025 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, which takes place on Friday, June 27, at Betel Personal Care Home.

Helping to organize the Walk this year is Ken Krulicki, who participated last year with his wife Brenda and their family members, including their sons and granddaughter.

From Support to Advocacy

Ken’s journey with the Alzheimer Society began in 2020, shortly after Brenda was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Ken connected with Samantha Holland, First Link® Regional Team Lead, who recommended he try a local care partner support group.

“I thought I was on my own,” he says. “Then I went to my first support group meeting and recognized two or three people. I had no idea they had the same struggles that I did.”

Since then, the support group has become a big part of his routine. In fact, he says he’s missed only two meetings since he initially joined. “You get to a point where you can share your suggestions with new people coming in because you’ve been exactly where they are,” Ken says. “It gives you so much confidence in what you’re doing and hopefully makes someone else’s path a little easier.”

Ken now advocates for other care partners and does all he can to help ensure the support group continues running. He even helps recruit more group members, hoping they also find the confidence he found.

Bringing Community Together

To Ken, the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is a great opportunity to not only get together as a community in support of families living with dementia but also to raise awareness about the resources available at the Society.

“I’ve been so passionate about the support I’ve received that I‘ve been helping wherever I can,” says Ken.

Last year, Ken helped out at Gimli’s first post-COVID Walk, assisting with the security on the wheelchair-friendly route to help make it easy for people living with mobility challenges to participate, including Brenda, who is a resident at Betel. Seeing care home residents participate alongside family and friends meant the world to him.

Ken’s passion for raising awareness is contagious, and he urges everyone to get involved. “When we come together for this cause, it sends a powerful message of hope to families like mine. You realize you’re not alone,” he says.

Click on the video above to learn more about Ken & Brenda’s story!

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The Benefits of Joining a Support Group

Samantha Holland, First Link® Regional Team Lead

Caring for someone living with dementia, or experiencing dementia yourself, can feel isolating. We often don’t realize how much community and connection matter until we find a space where we can express our ideas, thoughts or worries and others truly understand. That’s what makes support groups at the Alzheimer Society so meaningful.

Support groups offer a place to share experiences, learn from others and build relationships with people who get it. Samantha Holland, First Link® Regional Team Lead at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, sees firsthand how joining a support group can make a difference.

“I often hear people say, ‘I don’t think a support group is the place for me.’ I encourage them to try it out. Even those who are hesitant at first quickly find they can relate to others in the group,” Samantha says. “Having their experiences validated keeps them coming back to what becomes a new community of support.”

Finding the Right Fit: In-Person vs Virtual Support Groups

The Alzheimer Society offers both in-person and virtual support groups for care partners and people living with dementia. Whether you want to connect with others face-to-face or join from the comfort of your couch with a cup of tea, there’s something for everyone.

Samantha says that for some, in-person groups offer a chance to build local connections. These meetings also often lead to friendships beyond the group — people exchange numbers, arrange coffee dates and grow their support networks. Samantha has seen the impact virtual support groups can have. She says these groups give some care partners a space to share their experiences and connect with others from the comfort of home — something they wouldn’t have had otherwise.

“It’s really amazing to see the strong connections participants make through a screen,” she says.

Is a Support Group Right for Me?

Whether you’re living with dementia or supporting someone who is, these groups offer a chance to learn and lean on others through the exchange of mutual support.

They’re also inclusive spaces open to people of all backgrounds, cultures and identities, including those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

To find a support group that best fits your needs, connect with our First Link® Client Support team at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg), 1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba) or visit alzheimer.mb.ca

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Register Now for 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:

Living with Dementia: First Steps

*Please note you do not need to attend the Living with Dementia series in order.*

Part 2: The second session of a three-part information series for people supporting someone recently diagnosed with dementia. Learn from Kyla Kavanagh from Wolseley Law LLP about the legal and financial matters related to dementia, to help ensure that your affairs are together for you and your family.
Saturday, May 10 | 10 – 11:45 am

Part 3: 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

Family Education: Next Steps

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

Financial Confidence Workshop, presented by IG Wealth Management
Feeling confident about your finances can positively impact many areas of your life and overall health. This presentation will cover benefits you may qualify for and how you can access them (like government and tax benefits and credits) and fundamental planning all Canadians should have in place to protect themselves.
Tuesday, June 17 | 10 – 11 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:

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Enjoying Smiles & Laughter with Minds in Motion®

Joan & Eldon Montgomery participating in a Minds in Motion session

Joan Montgomery believes the folks who participate in the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Minds in Motion® program – both the participants and the leaders – are a very special group.

Joan, whose husband Eldon now lives in a Winnipeg care home, looks back fondly on the time when she was able to accompany her husband to the program.

“There is no feeling of being judged by anyone when you attend Minds in Motion,” Joan says. “We all face different challenges, we’re all at different stages, but we have the common bond of knowing that all of us are travelling this difficult journey together. We’re not alone. And that’s what makes this community very special.”

Eldon, 81, a former educator and Joan, a former realtor, moved from Russell to Winnipeg in 2011 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They intended to live out their lives watching their grandkids’ sporting events and continuing to golf and curl.

But in 2020, Eldon was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the disease has progressed quickly. Joan says they lucked out when they learned Minds in Motion was offered in the supportive housing where Eldon first lived. “It gave us something to do together that we both enjoyed. The volunteers were amazing and when Eldon came through the doors, he was all smiles and enjoyed the program tremendously.”

Joan says because Eldon had been very athletic (the couple are parents to Jon Montgomery, Olympic gold medal skeleton racer and television host), the modified games like curling and golf put a smile on his face. “I think when he played the games, he didn’t feel like he was being judged or feel less of who he used to be.”

Joan also says the activities were well-suited to the program participants. “We were all encouraged to join in. There was laughter and cheering and it was just a good atmosphere. Minds in Motion was a wonderful program for both of us.”

Spring Minds in Motion sessions are happening now across the province! Check out the article below to see all available locations. You can learn more about the program and how to register on our Minds in Motion page.

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Join a Minds in Motion® Session

Stay socially and physically active this spring with Minds in Motion®!

Our popular Minds in Motion program connects people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners through fitness, fun and friendship. Participants take part in a gentle chair fitness class followed by socially engaging activity and conversation. There are lots of laughs and social interaction during these sessions.

Visit our Minds in Motion page for more information and to register now. 

(Cost is $65/pair unless noted).

View spring 2025 dates, times and locations below.

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Spring Community Partner Programs

The Alzheimer Society partners with community organizations to create programs designed for people living with early to moderate symptoms of dementia to attend with their family members, friends or care partners.

Check out the programs available this spring:

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
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

The Fun!-Damentals of Table Tennis (Manitoba Table Tennis Association)

The Fun!-Damentals of Table Tennis program connects people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners through fitness and friendship.

Table tennis is a great aerobic exercise with proven cognitive benefits. Participants will take part in gentle recreational play. We will teach basic techniques and rules of the game while having tons of fun.

Spring Program (10 weeks)
Cornerstone Alliance Church, 1100 Autumnwood Dr, Winnipeg
Mondays, 6 – 8 pm
Mar 24 – June 9, 2025
*No session on Apr 21 or May 19*
Cost: $110/pair

Register by emailing [email protected] 

Tales Along the Trail (Fort WhyteAlive)

Tales Along the Trail is a welcoming outdoor experience designed for individuals living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners. This program offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a relaxed and supportive environment. Guided by an experienced naturalist, you’ll explore the serene pathways of FortWhyte, where the beauty of spring comes alive.

Each session features a gentle walk through the forest, with mindful stops to engage the senses and fully appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of nature. After the walk, participants are invited to gather in a cozy indoor space to share reflections, stories and enjoy a light snack together.

Come join us for a peaceful, uplifting experience in nature – where every moment is an opportunity to connect, explore, and savour the world around us.

Spring Program (7 weeks)
FortWhyte Alive, 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg
Tuesdays, 2 – 3:30 pm
May 6 – June 17, 2025
Cost: $160 + GST/pair

To register, please contact Melissa Wiens by email ([email protected]) or phone (204-989-8355 ext. 210).

The Living Well Program (The Leaf)

The Living Well Program engages people living with early to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners through the guidance of a horticulture therapy practitioner.

We cultivate a dementia-friendly community and foster social engagement with sensory plant-based activities and guided explorations of The Leaf and outdoor gardens when the weather permits. Every session includes refreshments.

Spring Program (4 weeks)
The Leaf, 145 The Leaf Way, Winnipeg
Mondays, 2 – 3:30 pm
May 5 – June 2, 2025
*No session on May 19*
Cost: $150 + GST/pair

Register on the Assiniboine Park Conservancy 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.

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A Community of Support

About nine Manitobans a day will be diagnosed with dementia this year. If this is you or someone in your life, know that the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has a wealth of knowledge, support and programming available to you.

We are dedicated to supporting people impacted by any type of dementia or cognitive impairment, so if you are newly diagnosed or find yourself needing to consider new transitions in care, our team is here to help – you are not alone.

There are many resources that can help equip you with knowledge and understanding, such as one-to-one support, education sessions, support groups and dementia-friendly programs. You can share your experiences and ideas and even connect with others who have been where you are.

Or, if you want to surround yourself with people passionate about helping others living with dementia, connect with us about how you can volunteer and get involved.

Reach out to us anytime. Drop by your local Society or come to our upcoming Walk events. We can help you find your community of support.

Erin Crawford, CEO
Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

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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.

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