Alzheimer Society, Coffee Break commits to support Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease

Today, hundreds of people across the nation have made the commitment to make their "coffee count" and are drinking a cup of coffee to raise funds in support of Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. This marks 15 years' of successful grassroots fundraising by the Alzheimer Society, raising over $12 million in support of essential programs and services for people with dementia, their families and caregivers.

This year, on the event's 15^th anniversary, the Alzheimer Society has set a goal of $1.5 million, a significant increase over last year. "With the help and support of all our returning and new Coffee Break^® supporters, we can do it!" says Debbie Benczkowski, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

"Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired. Even simple everyday tasks that we take for granted, like making a cup of coffee, can become impossible." says Dr Jack Diamond, Scientific Director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

"Fundraisers like the Alzheimer Coffee Break^® help make sure that the 500,000 Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia will have access to the information and programs they need," adds Mary Schulz, Director, Information, Support Services and Education at the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Over the past 15 years, Coffee Break^® events have taken on various looks, styles and locations. They are held in communities from coast-to-coast and can be found in retail stores, businesses, schools or an individual's home. Anyone can make a donation to the Society in exchange for a cup of coffee, or purchase a paper cut-out of a coffee cup to show their support. 

"In January 2010, we launched the full report, Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, that shows a looming crisis with the number of Canadians with dementia increasing by up to 50 per cent within just the next five years, says Benczkowski. "We must act now. Raising funds through Coffee Breaks is now more important than ever."