Memory Drive golf tournament, and Much Too Young event on Sept. 18 are among the events taking place during World Alzheimer’s Month
This is one in a series of regular columns in partnership with Alzheimer Society of York Region to increase awareness and understanding of dementia, as well as of the support, education, navigation and DAY programs available to people impacted by dementia.
More than 21,000 York Region residents are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’ disease being the most common form.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month. During this month, and on Sept. 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, people are encouraged to learn more about the disease and change the stigma that still surrounds a diagnosis. That stigma often means those living with the disease and their care partners are alone at a time when they need support the most.
This September, there are several events taking place to raise awareness about the disease and funds to support programs and services offered by the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York).
The Memory Drive golf tournament
Michael Polygenis and Lukas Speranza invite people to “swing for a cause that touches millions of families” and raise funds to support programs and services at AS York.
“Our goal for this tournament is to bring a community together while raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Michael, who along with Lukas, attends The Country Day School in King City.
“We are dedicated to supporting AS York by donating 100 per cent of the proceeds directly to the charity. We hope to make a meaningful difference by combining fundraising and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.”
The teens decided to host a charity golf tournament in mid-July while brainstorming event ideas they could use for DECA, an international business competition for high school students. They decided on a golf tournament as way to combine their love of the sport with an event that fit into the charity category of the competition.
The pair chose AS York as the charity because of Lukas’ connection with the disease: his grandfather, George Zaravinos, died in 2019 after living with the disease for seven years.
“The death of my grandfather was devastating for my whole family,” Lukas said. “Losing him left a deep void. … His absence has changed the way our family connects and reminded us how fragile life truly is.”
After his grandfather died, Lukas said his grandmother joined an AS York support group.
The Memory Drive tournament takes place Sept. 28 at the Rolling Hills Golf Club on the Bethesda Grange course. The tournament is a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. with a foursome best ball format.
The entry fee is $175 per player, which covers the green fee, continental breakfast and a barbecue lunch after the round. Players can register through The Memory Drive website, which can also be accessed through their Instagram page (@thememorydrive_).
The golf tournament will include raffles and prizes. An AS York representative will be at the event to help educate participants about the disease and share information about programs and services.
The goal of the tournament is to raise $10,000 for AS York and raise awareness.
“It is important to support AS York because of the incredible work they do to help people affected by Alzheimer’s,” Lukas said. “Supporting AS York can help provide resources, education, and assistance to families affected. Additionally, my family being affected by this disease helped us realize how important it is to support other families battling similar challenges.”
AS York comes to the Aurora Farmers’ Market
AS York is attending the Aurora Farmers Market for the first time on Sept. 13 to let residents know that there is a place to turn to for support on the dementia journey.
AS York will have a table with resources and will be available to answer questions.
AS York has five offices in York Region, including its head office and one DAY program in Aurora. A DAY program offers social simulation to those living with dementia and respite for their care partners.
“I often get informed by care partners that they didn’t know (AS York) was here and they wished they knew that when they were caring for a family member,” said Jaime Cruz, the public education and community programs manager at AS York. “Now that they may be caring for another family member, they are so happy to know they will receive the guidance and support this time that they didn’t know was available before.”
Cruz said she is excited to be at the farmers’ market and to share information.
“Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are progressive diseases, but this does not mean that individuals can not continue to live their lives, to have quality of life. We want people to know that they are not alone on this journey. There are supports available. We are here.”
Celebrating World Alzheimer’s Day at Vince’s Market
AS York will be at Vince’s Market, 19103A Leslie St., Sharon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21, World Alzheimer’s Day. People are invited to stop by the AS York booth.
Vince’s supports AS York through donations and programs and its staff have been trained, making it one of York Region’s dementia-friendly communities.
Much Too Young in support of Alzheimer’s care at Southlake
Much Too Young, presented by the Residences on Yonge, is looking to create a community of support through film, music and information.
“The idea for Much Too Young really came from my own family’s journey,” said Donna Hanson, whose mom-in-law lived with the disease, as well as from the question people always asked when touring the memory care program at Residences on Yonge, where Hanson is a sales consultant.
“We knew (the event) needed to be more than just a fundraiser,” Donna said. “It had to be a space for real, heartfelt conversation. That’s why we included the forum and the screening of Much Too Young. The film is powerful, raw, and personal, and it shows the hidden toll dementia takes on families. It’s the kind of story that opens hearts and helps our community truly understand what so many are going through.”
Much Too Young takes place on Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre in Newmarket. There will be a musical performance by Donna’s husband, Michael Hanson, and his band, Landing ‘73, the screening of the movie, a silent auction in support of Southlake Health Foundation and Alzheimer’s care, an open forum featuring “leading voices in dementia research, caregiving, and mental health,” and a community gathering space with educational materials, auction and donation opportunities. Tickets cost $75.
AS York will be at the event, sharing information about programs and services and how the organization supports care partners and people living with dementia.
The event was originally scheduled for a different time, but Donna said they moved it to September for World Alzheimer’s Month, “which gave us the opportunity to connect our event to a global movement. By hosting it then, we’re not just raising funds, we’re also joining voices with people all over the world who are raising awareness, sharing stories, and pushing for change.
“It means we’re not only bringing people together locally, but we’re also part of a worldwide conversation, showing support for everyone affected. It makes the evening feel even more meaningful, like we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves.”
Donna said she hopes the event becomes an annual one.
“Something people can look forward to, not just for the cause, but for the community it creates.”
Donate, bid on silent auction items or purchase tickets.