It’s time again for a Coffee Break

LTC homes can help support programs and services for people with Alzheimer’s

September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month across the globe, and the Alzheimer Society of Canada is once again sponsoring Coffee Break, a nationwide fundraiser for its local branches.

Starting today (Sept. 18) Coffee Break events will be held at workplaces and other venues, including long-term care homes, across Canada. This is the 19th year Coffee Break has been held. According to the Alzheimer Society, $1.1 million was raised through Coffee Break events in 2013.

Coffee Break functions see coffee, tea, juice and cookies provided to people in exchange for a donation to their local Alzheimer Society. Money raised from Coffee Break events stays in the community to support programs and services for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

The Alzheimer Society of Canada explains the benefits of hosting a Coffee Break event.

“When you host an Alzheimer Coffee Break in your community, you help raise much-needed funds for local programs and services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers,” the society says on its website. “Your support makes a huge difference in their lives.”

OMNI Health Care long-term care homes have been past participants in the initiative, and homes throughout the organization can contact their local Alzheimer Society to get materials to host their own Coffee Break events.

Given the large percentage of OMNI residents who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, the organization has a history of supporting fundraising and awareness campaigns to help the Alzheimer Society of Canada and its branches.

The Alzheimer Society estimates 747,000 Canadians — many of whom live in long-term care homes — have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and the number is expected to climb to 1.4 million by 2031.

Click here for more information on Coffee Break.

If you have a story you would like to share with The OMNIway, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.com.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.com.