Anything for Alzheimer’s September 2025 spotlight: Riding for a cause, honouring a legacy

John Lowe’s connection to Earl Thompson was more than a casual friendship, it was a bond built over years of shared experience, many of them out on the road together. When Earl passed away from complications related to dementia, John knew he wanted to do something to honour him – and Earl’s love of riding.  

“Earl was a special person in my life and I miss him everyday,” John says. 

Riding wasn’t just a hobby for Earl; it was his source of joy and connection. He especially loved participating in poker runs and community fundraising rides, where riders stop at checkpoints along their ride to draw playing cards in hopes of getting the best—or worst—hand. After Earl’s passing, John and a friend sat on Earl’s deck. The friend turned to John and said, “You know we have to organize a memorial ride for Earl.” That simple but powerful statement sparked the creation of the Earl Thomspon Memorial Poker Run, a fundraiser to honour Earl’s memory and support people affected by dementia.. 

The first poker run took place in Kamloops in 2019. John and his small team of friends, new to organizing events, drew on their collective experience energy to create a meaningful day on the road. With card collecting stops and prizes, the event quickly became more than just a ride—it became a way to bring the riding community together and raise awareness. With the blessing of Earl’s family, John reached out to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and turned his event into an Anything for Alzheimer’s fundraiser. The ride allowed John to donate proceeds to support vital programs for people living with dementia and their families. Over time the ride has grown to now includes prize draws, donated plaques, t-shirts and hoodies designed by John. 

The impact of the event goes beyond fundraising. For John, moments like a stop during their ride in Merritt stand out, when a local man stopped by to learn about the event, then quietly handed him $20 and said, “Keep up the good work,” “That moment made me proud and I won’t forget it,” says John. 

In the early days, John and his friends had little to no experience organizing events, learning as they went. What worked and what didn’t. Along the way, John’s girlfriend became a key part of the organizing team, handling many of the details that keep the event running smoothly. What began as a small circle of friends has since grown to include dozens of riders, volunteers and supporters who return year after year.  

John plans to continue the poker run for at least 10 years, seeing it as a long-term way to honour Earl’s memory. Each year, the event raises awareness and funds for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. while offering families affected by dementia hope and support. Hosting this event has also changed John personally, helping him process the loss of his good friend and gain a new understanding of dementia.  He encourages others to take similar positive action through Anything for Alzheimer's events in their communities. 

“Do it,” John says. “It's one of the best things I’ve ever done. It will change your life and it will help others.” 

Get involved 

When it comes to supporting people affected by dementia, community makes all the difference. That’s what makes Anything for Alzheimer’s so powerful – it gives British Columbians the chance to take what they love and turn it into a lasting impact. Whether it’s trivia, baking, running, painting or playing music, your passion can become a force for change. There’s no one-size-fits-all event and each fundraiser reflects the person behind it and the people they’re honouring. While there may be zero percent cure, we do have one hundred percent community: show up, get creative and build a legacy of care and connection. Start your own Anything for Alzheimer’s event, because your talents have the power to make a difference. 

Funds raised through Anything for Alzheimer’s help provide vital support services, including the First Link® Dementia Helpline, which offers information, guidance and compassion to anyone facing the dementia journey. The helpline is toll-free and confidential and is available Monday to Friday: 

• English: 1-800-936-6033 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Learn more about Anything for Alzheimer’s and how you can host your event at anythingforalzheimers.ca.