Telethon raises over $165K for dementia support for the Chinese community

The Alzheimer Society  of B.C. and Fairchild Media Group are proud to announce that the first-ever Telethon for Alzheimer’s, co-produced by the two organizations and broadcast last Saturday, November 7,  raised over $165,000. Proceeds will help provide support and education for people living with dementia and their caregivers in the Chinese community and enable continued efforts to build a more dementia-friendly province.

“The success of the Telethon for Alzheimer’s demonstrates both the importance of more culturally-specific dementia resources for B.C.’s Chinese community and the incredible support members of the community want to provide for families affected by dementia,” said Barbara Lindsay, interim CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “We’re so grateful for our donors, volunteer organizing committee – and the dedication of Fairchild Media Group for ensuring the telethon’s impact will be felt around the province.”

Due to COVID-19 and the need to maintain physical distancing, filming of the telethon was conducted entirely by video conferencing. Staff at Fairchild Television, including program hosts Mary Lo and Ricky Cheung, ensured guests were interviewed remotely, the stories of people affected by dementia were shared and the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s work was introduced to a new audience

The Alzheimer Society of B.C would like to thank Fairchild Media Group and all donors and supporters. Special thanks go out to the anonymous donors who generously matched, dollar for dollar, the first $50,000 donated.

To learn more about the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Chinese programs and services, please visit alzbc.org/Chinese or call the Chinese First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-833-674-5007, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.