Kawarthas-area residents can help support people who have dementia and their caregivers by dining in local restaurants that are participating in a new initiative to benefit the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton (PKLNH).
Throughout the month of January, which is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month across Canada, a portion of the cost of selected meals purchased at participating restaurants will be donated to support counselling services, education, and recreational programs for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
This is the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH’s inaugural “Dining for Dementia” program, which was inspired by a similar, successful initiative for the Durham Region chapter of the Alzheimer Society.
Jennifer Hitchmough, communications associate for the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH, shared with kawarthaNOW a few of the organization’s hopes for the program.
“The purpose of Dining for Dementia is two-fold: to raise funds for vital programs and services to support the 14,340 people living with dementia and their care partners in our region, and to raise awareness about the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding dementia,” Hitchmough said.
One in four people are impacted by dementia within their social and family circles, she noted.
Dining for Dementia is particularly important because the Alzheimer Society’s work centres around providing “dementia-friendly” opportunities for residents and families in the communities it serves.
“Creating dementia-friendly spaces within our community is one of our major objectives as an organization,” Hitchmough explained. “Building partnerships within our local business community is essential to educating people about the importance of creating dementia-friendly communities, allowing people to feel welcomed and valued in their own communities.”
By purchasing a meal, diners will be contributing to the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH and supporting local restaurants during what is typically a slower time of year for business, the organization noted in a media release.
Each restaurant has created a system to donate which works best for them. For some, it’s a percentage of the meal or a particular menu item for the month of January.
While it’s the first year for the Dining for Dementia initiative in the Kawarthas, it’s one Alzheimer Society of PKLNH hopes will flourish in the years ahead.
“There is a lot of living to be done following a diagnosis of dementia,” Hitchmough said. “This is a story that needs to be shared — it is possible to live well with dementia and this is what the Alzheimer Society helps people to do every day.”
Peterborough restaurants participating in Dining for Dementia are Hanoi House, Allen Gourmet Coffee & Eatery, La Mesita Mexican Restaurante, Bobo Tea, Brickhouse Craft Burger, and The Favourite Greek.
The Pink Café in Cobourg is also participating, as is Riverview Family Restaurant in Campbellford.
For more information about Dining for Dementia and the participating restaurants, visit aspklnhdining.com.
