Giving something back, on a personal level

Earlier this year I was approached to help out with the Alzheimer Society's Purse-Suasion event.  They had heard from another client that I enjoy doing email marketing and electronic newsletters and were seeking one for Purse-Suasion itself.

I was more then happy to help out.  For me, it wasn't just about assisting a not-for-profit organization.  For me, Alzheimer has had a very real impact on my life.  While it may be a bit different from my other blog entries I have written for the DSGN network, I would like to share a bit more about why I believe the work that the Alzheimer Society does is so important as it affects not only the suffering, but ails the family as well.

All my life I adored my grandfather, he was the epitome of class, intellect and kindness.  I can remember his laugh, his smile and the compassion and kindness he extended to everyone around him.  Being a minister in the church, he often was called upon to visit members of the congregation in times of sickness and sadness.  While I am sure it took a personal toll on him, he never thought anything of it and gladly helped those in need.

As my grandfather aged, we noticed his memory was slowly starting to dwindle.  Initially, it was the smaller things; groceries, names of people he knew as acquaintances and dates.  Following the death of my grandmother, he was in need of much more regular care and moved into a nursing home.

On my regular visits back to Kitchener-Waterloo, then working myself in Toronto, I would always stop into see him and was greeted with a smile and a warm hug - but the disease had begun to take it's full effect on him.  I was continually transformed from being his grandson to his brother.  While hard, I never wanted to make the situation embarrassing to him, so I affectionally took on the role of his brother and shared in the memories he had.  He had so much happiness recalling the stories of old, so who was I to take that from him.

For my mother, it wasn't so easy.  As the disease worsened he forgot everyone he knew in the present.  He forgot his wife had passed away, forget his daughter and grandson and was left to relive the distant memories of a past time.

The hardest part about watching my grandfather suffer with Alzheimer's disease wasn't about him thinking I was his brother, or reliving the stories I had heard in my childhood.  It was when he had glimpses of how far the disease had taken him and holding him as he wept and is heartbreaking to me to this date.

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease and it is not easy on anyone.  It robs people of their memories, and ultimately of their life.  It also takes a terrible toll on the family who remains watching as the person they love slowly fades from view.

So again, when the Alzheimer Society asked if I would help out, I was more then happy to assist in whatever way that would benefit them.  I do hope that the electronic newsletter I created was of benefit to them, their volunteers and their donors.  I hope to be able to do more for them in the future on both a professional and personal level.

For those interested in learning more about what the Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo does, please get in touch with them.  I have provided links for both the Society and the Purse-Suasion event they run below:

Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo: http://www.alzheimerkw.com/
Purse-Suasion: http://www.alzheimerkw.com/how-you-can-help/purse-suasion

When culture can be close to home

When I was young and growing up here in Kitchener-Waterloo, I never thought about cultural events locally.  Sure, we have the Stratford Festival nearby, and there was always heading into Toronto to hit up the AGO, the ROM or taking in a play at one of the many theatres, but when it came to finding something closer to home it never registered that something might be available right at my doorstep.

As I got older, I started asking "Why?".  We have the venues, we have the interest locally, why do I have to drive to Toronto to take it some culture?

It appears that the citizens of Kitchener-Waterloo agree!

On the night of September 24th, myself, and over 100 other supporters took to the train for the Steel Rail Sessions event.  The brainchild behind the Steel Rail, the lovely and inspirational Hilary Abel arranged for us all to be whisked away on a train and treated to a fest for the senses.  As we chugged through the autumn evening towards St. Jacob's the passengers were able to enjoy sponsored venues from CAFKA, the KWAG, MFX Partners, Deadbeatblast and the KW Symphony.  We were also treated to the culinary wonders of Nick & Nat's Uptown 21, a visual feast itself.

All aboard the Steel Rails Session

Our evening proceeded to a live concert from Vacuity and a gallery showcase in St. Jacob's before being escorted back on to the train and returning to Waterloo.  The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery opened their doors late in the evening to have us as their guests for an after party where we were able to enjoy some wine and catch up with colleagues and friends to wrap up this spectacular evening.  For a first-timer to the CCGG, I was greatly impressed both by their hospitality as well as their gallery itself, and will be returning as a patron in the near future.

At the end of the night, I laid my head down and smiled.  All throughout the night I kept reminding myself "This is in Kitchener-Waterloo".  This type of event appealed to all ages, appealed to the art, music and theatre lovers.  This type of cultural event is an example of what defines us as a society - and it was found locally.

My deepest thanks for Hilary for arranging the Steel Rail Sessions.  To all the sponsors, corporate and otherwise, who believed and shared in Hilary's vision, again, you have my gratitude.  So the next time you want to check out something great - look outside your window - and I do hope that in a years time we shall see our local galleries thrive and a certain train heading towards St. Jacob's again!

For complete photos of the event, please check out the gallery here courtesy of Bright Lights Photography.  The Record also has posted a video of the event which is available to view here.