THUNDER BAY – Gardening is about hope and optimism. It’s about knowing that after winter’s cold, spring will arrive and flowers will bloom again. For thousands of Ontarians living with dementia, this gardening season can also be a sign of hope. The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay invites you to join us Saturday, May 30 as part of our first annual #SeedsofHope campaign.
The Forget Me Not is the official flower of the Alzheimer Society; it is a gentle reminder to never forget those who have been lost to the disease, and a symbol of a community who stands together in hope of a future without Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout May, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay has been distributing free Forget Me Not seeds to anyone who wanted to show their support by planting them in their own gardens.
Join the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay for their own planting party at the Centennial Botanical Conservatory (1501 Dease St. Thunder Bay) on May 30th at 11:00 a.m. The day will include a communal planting party and we will also unveil a decorative dedication that will live at the Centennial Botanical Conservatory. To make the day even brighter, Pinetree Catering’s food truck Local Motion will be stationed at the event, making a delicious lunch available to all.
Let’s stand together to show that we have hope for a future without Alzheimer’s disease!
Did you know?
- Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of brain disorders. It is not a normal part of aging and no one is immune.
- Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 2/3 of all dementia in Canada.
- Dementia affects more than 210,000 Ontarians over 65, or one in ten seniors.
- In 2015, 8,000 more Ontarians will experience the onset of dementia. And because the impact of this disease ripples out to the family and friends who provide care, 8,000 more families will be living with dementia too.
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affects over 2,700 people in the district of Thunder Bay. This number is expected to rise by 20% by 2020.
- Research shows that physical activity helps promote the health of the brain and the body. When blood circulates to the brain, it nourishes cells with nutrients and oxygen, and it encourages the development of new cells and new connections. Gardening that includes digging, shovelling and pushing the lawn mower can be a great aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
- If planted this spring, Forget Me Nots will bloom the following spring and into early summer, and will look lovely among spring bulbs such as tulips.
- Each flower is only about ¼ inch across, but a lot will grow!
- Whether you let them sprout and grow where they want, or move them to produce a specific effect, Forget Me Nots are always very accommodating.
