HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER

The Société Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin was established in 1983 by a group of concerned caregivers of clients with Alzheimer's disease. Their goals were to provide education, awareness and advocacy for Alzheimer clients and their families, to increase resources for their care and for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The organization was incorporated in June 1985 as a charitable non-profit voluntary health agency. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The Sudbury-Manitoulin District Health Council granted approval for funding of direct services in 1986. A Caregiver Support Group was developed that year and meetings were held at Laurentian Hospital. Funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services allowed the Alzheimer Society to open its first Day Centre in April 1987 in St. Andrew’s Place.

With the support of the Sudbury Rotary Club, a portable building was established on the grounds of Pioneer Manor. In August 1987, the Day Centre and offices for the Society moved to this new location.

In September 1990, this temporary building was expanded with support from the Ministry of Community and Social Service s and service clubs, corporate and private donors. The size of the building was doubled and an enclosed court yard was added to enhance the Day Program and support clients’ needs.

Our current operating funding comes from grants from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, fundraising and donations. In 1999, additional operating funds to expand the Day Program were granted through the Alzheimer Strategy. The Society currently employs three full-time staff and twelve part-time staff.

As with all non-profit organizations, fundraising is a vital component of the Society activities. Volunteers host our annual Coffee Breaks and assist us with our Walk for Memories, as well as other events.

More than 100 volunteers donate their time annually to assist the Society with programs, committees and fundraising.

The Société Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin is the grateful recipient of donations from individuals, service groups and corporations. These donations ensure ongoing quality service for clients with Alzheimer Disease as well as support for their families.

The Day Centre provides student placements in our facility for students from Laurentian University, Cambrian College and College Boreal.

The Société Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin remains active in the community by interacting with local agencies and by providing delegates to various committees.

In 1998, the Alzheimer Society entered into a partnership with Pioneer Manor, the City of Greater Sudbury, Hôpitale Régionale de Sudbury Regional Hospital, Manitoulin-Sudbury Community Care Access Centre, Psychogeriatric Outreach Clinic, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care North Region Office, College Boreal, Cambrian College, Laurentian University, the Algoma Cochrane Manitoulin Sudbury District Health Council, the Northeast Mental Health Centre and several other community agencies. The intent was to develop a Seniors’ Campus on the grounds of Pioneer Manor. The concept centers on a vision for a continuum of geriatric care services. The components include a Memory Assessment Network, Supportive Housing, Applied Research, redeveloped Long Term Care beds, Short-stay Respite beds and an expanded Alzheimer Day Centre.

In February 2002, the Société Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin launched a capital campaign to raise $2.1 million dollars to renovate 10,500 square feet in a vacated area of Pioneer Manor for a new Alzheimer Centre.