Alzheimer Society Celebrates 20 Years of Coffee Breaks

Sunday, 27 September 2015 10:30

Although it has been a popular way of fundraising more participants are always encouraged to take part

OXFORD COUNTY - The Alzheimer's Society of Oxford is celebrating 20 years of Coffee Breaks, and hoping to inspire even more people to get involved.

Executive Director Shelley Green tells us this is a great way to support people living with Alzheimer's disease in our community. "The money that we raise through Coffee Break stays here locally in Oxford County and the money is used to support the many services and programs that we offer to people throughout the entire continuum of the disease from before diagnosis, until after death."

These Coffee Breaks are easy to set up. All you need to do is call Event Coordinator Sheena at the Alzheimer's Society of Oxford and she'll give you more information and set you up with the hosting kit. Then you send out your invites and host the actual event. Once you've finished you return the hosting kit back to the office and they'll make sure everyone gets the proper receipts. Green tells us they try to take the pressure off the host as well when it comes to asking for donations. "You don't have to do that direct ask. Just send out an email, make a phone call, or send out paper copy invitations to your friends, or family, or coworkers. Let them know what's happening and when, that they'll have an opportunity to give, and then simply put out the donation box and a poster that we provide in our host kit. And really that donation box does the talking for you at your event so you don't have to ask."

They are also encouraging people to think outside the box - just because it's a Coffee Break doesn't mean you are restricted to just coffee and cookies. "We had some ladies that did a Mad Hatter's tea last year, and they're doing a witches brew this year on October 31st," says Green. "We've had people do games nights. We had one person that did a walk through their woods with questions on their trees and then they had a game card and they had people back into their home for goodies and treats afterwards. So it really is whatever you'd like to do."

To get in touch with Sheena call 519-421-2466 or 1-887-594-2368 ext. 224 or email sheena@alzheimer.oxford.on.ca

You can also register online or find out more at http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/oxford/Get-involved/Be-a-fundraiser/Coffee-Break