Galway people are being asked to support a major annual fundraiser being run by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Its annual Alzheimer Tea Day will take place on Thursday May 5. Services provided by the Co Galway branch of the organisation are a vital lifeline for people living with dementia. The West of Ireland has the highest prevalence rate of dementia in the country with more than 6,700 people living with the condition - a figure set to double in a generation. There are 2,700 people with dementia in Galway. Presenter Daíthi O’Se launched this year’s Alzheimer’s Tea Day charity fundraiser, which is sponsored by Medtronic, and Galway people are being urged to get involved. All the money raised locally supports Alzheimer services in Galway which include day care, home care, support group and cognitive stimulation therapy group.
Now in its 22nd year, the fundraiser has seen thousands of people host tea parties in their homes, offices and schools raising vital funds for the ASI which provides essential support to the 48,000 people and 50,000 family carers living with dementia in this country.
Operations manager of the Northern/West Centre of Operations, Gwen Ryan outlines that last year's Alzheimer’s Tea Day raised €430,000 nationally.
"We want to say thanks to our wonderful Tea Day hosts and all those who attended and supported events around the country. From this campaign we have made a real and lasting difference to the lives of people in local communities living with dementia. “
Since the first Alzheimer’s Tea Day in 1994 more than €7 million has been raised and gone back into supporting local communities. For more information or to register for Alzheimer’s Tea Day fundraising packs visit www.teaday.ie or call 1800 719 820.
