Alzheimers Auckland needs your help

Alzheimers Auckland needs your help with their annual Countdown Appeal

Alzheimers Auckland’s annual Countdown Appeal is coming up in the month of July, and they need volunteers to help out by collecting outside their local Countdown during July. Every year the appeal raises a vital amount of money that goes towards support services for people with dementia and their carers.

With the appeal an essential part of the organisation’s yearly fundraising, getting as many volunteers as possible will help Alzheimers Auckland make 2015 the biggest Countdown Appeal yet, with collections happening across Auckland.

Alzheimers Auckland Charitable Trust (AACT) is a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing dementia support services and inspiring those living with dementia to make the most of life. They believe that with the right support programmes, improved environments, and connection to community, people affected by dementia can continue to live an enriching and enjoyable life, and make the most of every moment.

Volunteers like Susan and Malcolm Chamberlin help to make the Countdown Appeal such a success each year. “My mother had dementia, and Alzheimers Auckland were very good to me, a wonderful support,” says Susan, who benefited from Alzheimers Auckland’s carer education programme and carer support groups.

After seeing that they were short of collectors several appeals ago, Susan decided that she wanted to give back to the organisation, “dragging along” her husband of forty years, Malcolm, to help. Since then, they have collected together during nearly every appeal.

Although Susan’s mother passed away from a stroke before Christmas, Susan has continued to support the organisation, saying “Alzheimers Auckland supported me, so I support them.” The time that Susan, Malcolm, and other generous volunteers put in then enables Alzheimers Auckland to support other people in Susan’s position.

Collecting during the Countdown Appeal can be organised around your busy schedule, with two hour shifts at times to suit you. Alzheimers Auckland hopes to collect outside as many Countdown stores as possible throughout Auckland, over at least two weekends in July. However, they can’t do it without the support of selfless people looking to do some good without too extensive of a time commitment.

To collect, or for more information around volunteering with Alzheimers Auckland, please contact Sarah Knight on sarahk@alzheimers.co.nz.

ENDS

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