THUNDER BAY, ON – Thanks to efforts by Confederation College’s Student Union, the College’s library will be host to one of eight drop-off locations for new or used IPods to be used for the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s Music Project program. This Program intends to provide the means and opportunity for a person living with dementia to experience the benefits of a musical intervention so that he or she may enjoy an enhanced quality of life. The approach is simple: the Project reconnects people with the “soundtrack of their life” by providing personalized playlists using IPods.
“I’m extremely passionate about this project because it hits close to home – my grandma has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years,” said Jodi Connor, President of the Student Union of Confederation College (SUCCI). “The evidence is mounting that music can be used to connect with and engage persons with dementia, working to improve communication and contribute to feelings of wellness and relaxation. The SUCCI Board was quick to support the Alzheimer Society’s Music Project because it represents a great way we as students can give back to our community. Technology that is no longer useful to us, can have a renewed purpose in helping people living with dementia find joy. Our Board strongly encourages other organizations and individuals in the community to get involved with this important project.”
“People with dementia can continue to engage with the world in many meaningful ways.” says Executive Director Randy Moore. “By supporting this program you are supporting their dignity and worth which improves their well-being and quality of life.”
Students, employees and Alzheimer Society guests enjoyed conversation, live entertainment, and refreshments. By the end of February, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay hopes to receive at least 50 donated IPods to further its capacity to provide musical enrichment to individuals living with dementia.
To find out how you can donate or participate in the program, call the Alzheimer Society at 345-9556 or visit www.musicproject.ca. All donations stay local to help support the over 2,800 people in the district of Thunder Bay who are living with dementia, as well as their care partners. Drop off locations are found at: the Alzheimer Society, Applause Productions, Confederation College, Waverley Resource Library, Brodie Resource Library, County Park Library, Mary J. L. Black Library, Westgate High School.
About Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay
Founded in 1986, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay is a charitable organization dedicated to alleviating the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Society offers support to people with Alzheimer’s disease and their partners in care; provides public education; promotes awareness in the community and funds research. Over 2,800 people in the district of Thunder Bay are currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to double within a generation. The Society depends on local support and donations, as the demand for our services continues to grow.
