For the second year, a local family is dedicating time to fighting the stigma around Alzheimer's disease, while also raising some funds to support people and families living with this and other forms of dementia.
Harrison, Indy and Max Froese formed Team Froese Boys last year when they partook in IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's for the first time. Indy said it was "pretty fun." They were able to raise over $1,000 and also they walked around with their parents and dog, wearing Walk for Alzheimer's T-shirts.
Indy said it wasn't very difficult to meet their goal, as many people supported their cause. He also explained that Team Froese has a personal motive to keep participating in the campaign.
"We are motivated because our grandfather has Alzheimer's, dementia, and we decided that it would be awesome if we could raise awareness and raise funds for people affected by Alzheimer's," Indy said.
Last year's success inspired them to keep on with their mission this spring. The team has already started fundraising towards their goal of $1,250, which they want to forward to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan after the walk. These funds will go towards programs and services that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their families, as well as funding research into causes, a cure and improvements to quality of life.
Harrison said that they appreciate any support.
This year the Froese boys came up with more ideas that should make their fundraising efforts even more successful. First, they decided to keep on going with recording personal videos for every donor, supporting their campaign. Max said the idea was suggested by their mom Jennifer Froese.
"The thank-you videos are just our little extra for people who donate to Team Froese Boys. We want to thank them in a really fun, silly, personal way. So the boys sing songs, dance (and do other things)," explained Jennifer.
With another month to go, Team Froese has already recorded nine "thank-you" videos. In the videos, they wear the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's T-Shirts and make sure that the content matches the interests or hobbies of each of their supporters.
"Whenever someone donates and we know them a little bit, we'll do something that they like. Our other grandpa is into Star Wars, so we'll do something a little on the lines of Star Wars and Star Trek. And then we'll just personalize them to something that would make them laugh," explained Harrison.
The team is trying to make videos as fast as they can. They also did some on-location recording, performing at Boundary Dam, at a playground and at other places, thus also personalizing their "thank yous." Once videos are completed, the Froeses share them with the community.
"We post them on Facebook (and tag the donors) so that not only the people who donated can see them, but everybody can see," Indy said.
The boys said that they like partaking in the campaign and grateful to see the support from the community.
"I think it's pretty awesome when people donate because it spreads awareness and raises funds to help people and families who've been affected by it. So when people donate, it's really nice," Indy said.
"I think it's pretty good because it helps our grandpa and other people with dementia," Max added.
"I think it just shows how much our community cares about people affected with dementia and just how much people care," Harrison concluded.
On May 11, Team Froese will also be the beneficiary of Black Beard’s Restaurant's weekly Burgers for a Cause effort.
"Anybody who buys a burger from Black Beard’s, $5 of that purchase will go to the Team Froese Boys and to the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's," Indy explained.
At the time of the interview, their total was $520, and they were confident that they will reach the goal.
"We're just really proud of them for how much they're engaged and that they let their silliness show in their videos. We're just really, really proud of the boys," said Jennifer.
To support Team Froese, people can go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamfroeseboys or stop by Black Beard’s in Estevan on May 11 and purchase a Burger for a Cause.
On May 30, Team Froese will walk around Royal Heights Veterans’ Memorial Park in Estevan, attracting more attention to the cause. Walks from all across the province will be streamed live on Facebook on the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan page.
"Anyone who wants to join, can watch and see people from across Canada walking and (hear) their stories," explained Jennifer.
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's is one of Saskatchewan's biggest fundraising events, according to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan website. It takes place in more than seven communities across the province. Due to COVID restriction, the walk this year is virtual with participants fundraising and raising awareness in their own ways at their own pace. But the walks are to take place on the same day, thus wrapping up the campaign.
"Together we display a combined strength and dedication in the fight against this disease," says the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan website.
More information about the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's can be found at alzheimers.ca/sk.
