Donor Spotlight: ARTCF

The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Charitable Foundation’s (ARTCF) support in 2020 allowed the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories to pilot the concept and determine that there is significant demand for the Minds in Motion® program. Although we are waiting for the formal evaluation to be released, we anticipate the findings to indicate that fitness levels, and mental cognition improved while social isolation decreased. Local fitness instructors now have more experience working with individuals with dementia and have developed new skills that they can share with friends and colleagues. In turn, this is helping to create a more inclusive and dementia-friendly community.

“We are so grateful to the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Charitable Foundation and other donors who helped make Minds in Motion® possible.  Charitable support allowed the Society to offer the program in person and then offer it virtually. Over the past 18 months, we have heard from our clients how isolation has affected them and how they were missing getting out in the community for exercise and social activities. Being able to offer Minds in Motion® virtually allowed us to connect and spend time with participants across the province. Seeing firsthand the connections formed and the memories that participants shared was priceless.   Thank you to everyone at Alberta Retired Teachers’ Charitable Foundation for your support.”  – Jessica Sparks, Program Coordinator, Client Services Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories

The Minds in Motion® program will begin running in select fitness centres in the Edmonton and Red Deer areas.  We also have a virtual version of the program available. Click here for more information on the program and how you can register.

Do you organize programs at your local recreation or seniors’ centre? Are you interested in adding this program to your location? Please contact Jessica at 1-866-950-5465 ext.109