Re-enacting old memories for a good cause

Re-enacting old memories for a good cause

Kiwis asked to take a trip down memory lane for dementia awareness

Alzheimers Auckland is calling upon local communities and keen photographers to re-enact old photographs and share them on social media, in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the more than 15,000 people in greater Auckland living with dementia.

This coming month is Remember December, Alzheimers Auckland Charitable Trust’s annual appeal that raises money to cover its dementia support services. With street collections set to take place over Auckland and, for the first time ever, a social media competition, the campaign is bound to be the biggest yet. There’s even a camera worth over $1,000 up for grabs!

“This year, we’re asking social media savvy Aucklanders to take a moment to think about their grandparents, aunties and uncles, mothers and fathers, to help raise awareness of dementia and its very real presence in Auckland. We’re hoping the online element makes it fun and easy for younger people to get involved,” says Barbara Fox, Operations Manager of Alzheimers Auckland.

There are currently 15,000 people living with dementia in the greater Auckland region – a number that research shows is expected to double over the next 15 to 20 years. For every person with the condition, there is a much wider network of family and friends who are affected – in fact, one in two people will be touched by dementia in their lifetime.

During Remember December, the hope is that people will take a moment to think about those with memory loss by asking friends and family to re-enact an old photograph, such as an old school ball photo or a childhood dress-up photo, to upload to social media along with the #RememberDecember, and to nominate someone to do the same.

One lucky person who shares a re-enacted photo on social media will have the chance to win the very latest Panasonic Lumix FZ300 camera from Photo Warehouse. The Photo Warehouse camera features a 25-600 telephoto and high-speed lens, 4K ultra hi-definition photo and video capability and is also splash proof – perfect for getting outdoors in summer! A runner-up prize of a Three Little Wishes Photography Workshop will also be gifted to someone who joins in.

“Each year we strive to trump the previous year’s amount raised and we’re hoping that by adding an interactive online photography competition, we’ll get more people on-board this December,” says Barbara.

Street collections will take place across Auckland on Saturday, 12 December from 10am – 6pm in Parnell, Newmarket, Remuera, Ponsonby, Pakuranga, Onehunga, Auckland CBD and more.

“As a charitable organisation, these types of initiatives ensure we can keep supporting the people and families living with, or assisting someone living with, dementia and we’re very grateful for the communities that step up and help our cause.”

All of the money raised through Remember December will go towards Alzheimers Auckland’s support services, which they provide to more than 1700 Aucklanders living with dementia and their families.

Alzheimers Auckland Charitable Trust (AACT) is a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing dementia support services and inspiring those living with dementia to make the most of life. Alzheimers Auckland believes that with the right care programmes, improved environments, and connection to community, people affected by dementia can continue to make the most of each moment.

If you would like to contribute towards Alzheimers Auckland this Remember December, visit:www.everydayhero.co.nz/event/rememberdecember to donate or head to a collection happening near you. Visit the Alzheimers Auckland Facebook page to share your re-enactment snap!

ENDS

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