Paris Star Information

The walk took participants from Syl Apps over the William Street Bridge, through downtown Paris to the cenotaph, then back. Saturday's event brought together what used to be individual fundraisers held in Brantford and Brant County. In the past, the city walk attracted about 100 to 150 participants and the one in Paris drew about 200. "It's awesome we're walking together,' said Brian Cheevers. "We can do so much more when we work together." The two walks were merged this year to provide a better organized event, said Candace Kingyens, senior development officer with the society. The goal was to raise $40,000, about the amount the two separate walks raised together in previous years. "We're trying to get the two communities to come together," said Kingyens, noting that she recognized many people from past city and Paris walks. "It looks so far like it's going to be successful." Brantford town crier David McKee read a proclamation to the crowd. "It has been 150 years since Dr. Alois Alzheimer identified the insidious dementia that now bears his name," he said. "While the cure has remained elusive to science, its progress has been slowed and its symptoms reduced. "The Alzheimer Society encourages the good people of Brantford and Brant to enjoy an afternoon of family fun, entertainment, draws, displays and much more, whilst walking to raise much needed funds to combat this debilitating, degenerative disease." In addition to educational programs, the Alzheimer Society provides more than 4,000 hours of respite relief a year for those caring for loved ones with dementia. The society has more than 1,400 clients and the demand for services continues to grow. MMarion@postmedia.com