Geelong community rallies for battle against dementia

MORE than 524 people turned out for Dementia Australia’s Memory Walk & Jog at Barwon Valley Park raising over $85,000 for the charity.

“We are delighted to have enjoyed such an outstanding show of support from the Geelong community, who turned out in such large numbers,” Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said.

With an estimated 124,700 people living with dementia in Victoria, and that figure projected to increase to about 301,000 by 2058, Ms McCabe said events such as the Memory Walk & Jog are important for raising funds and awareness about the rising prevalence of the disorder.

“The money raised will help provide invaluable support, education and resources for people impacted by dementia in the Geelong area and across Australia,” she said.

“So many people impacted by dementia find these events a great way to connect with other local people in similar circumstances. And from what we witnessed at the Geelong event, that was certainly the case.

“Our many volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure it ran safely and smoothly, and was enjoyable for all … the success of this event simply would not have been possible without their support.”

The Geelong Memory Walk & Jog on Sunday, April 3, was one of 19 scheduled at various locations around the country in 2022.

Details on the remaining events in the series can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au