Launching our first-ever province-wide Climb for Alzheimer’s this summer!

British Columbia

Starting this Tuesday, July 21, the Climb will be running throughout the summer until Monday, September 21, 2020 – World Alzheimer’s Day. We’re calling on the province to come together and climb or hike trails across B.C. to raise funds in support of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and to show that the thousands of people affected by dementia don’t need to make the journey alone.

Man wearing a branded Climb t-shirt with his arms in the air triumphantly.

Each September for the past eight years, committed supporters and teams have climbed North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind®. Things look different in 2020 and so will the Climb for Alzheimer’s. This year’s event has evolved in response to physical distancing measures and, for the first time ever, will include hikes across B.C.

“Although the location has changed and adapted, the heart of the event remains,” says Maria Howard, Alzheimer Society of B.C. Chief Executive Officer. “The Climb continues to be a challenging, fun, invigorating event that makes a real difference to people in our province affected by dementia. It shows people living with dementia that they are not alone.”

Trails can range from Mount Douglas in Victoria to the Summit Peak Trail in Fort Nelson or the legendary Grouse Grind® in North Vancouver, meaning that people from across the province can participate in the challenge. The Climb will also include a province-wide target of climbing 70,000 kilometres: one kilometre for each individual living with dementia in B.C.

In a time where travel restrictions are the norm, this challenge also offers an opportunity to take advantage of the province’s endless trails, natural beauty and potential for adventure, while raising money and awareness for the thousands of people living with dementia.

You can register as an individual climber or team up with your friends, family and colleagues at climbforalzheimers.ca. No matter what challenge you choose, we encourage all participants to share their hiking and climbing challenges online, which will help to create the same community spirit and energy that has made the event so special year after year.

By climbing, you’ll be raising money to support research and to ensure people affected by dementia are able to access programs and services through First Link® dementia support. The Society’s First Link® dementia support activities provide support and education for people who are affected by dementia – which is crucially important so that British Columbian families can feel connected and supported during this unusual time.

If you are planning a hike, please adhere to the current physical distancing recommendations. The Society highly recommends that you check the BC Parks website or another online resource before you leave for your outdoor adventure as some trails may be closed or adapted.

Strap on your hiking boots and get climbing! Register and start fundraising today.