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Walk honours Ray Klapprat to 'Make Memories Matter'

Longtime Aldergrove resident Ray Klapprat spent most of his life serving his communities.
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Ray Klapprat

Longtime Aldergrove resident Ray Klapprat spent most of his life serving his communities.

“Ray made many friends everywhere he went,” says his wife, Armande. “He is loved and respected by all who know him.”

So it's fitting that he's the honoree for the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s for the Fraser Valley. The fundraising event for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. takes place on Sunday, May 1, with the theme "Make memories matter."

Aldergrove residents can participate, donate and volunteer at www.walkforalzheimers.ca.

Born in a small Manitoba farming community, Klapprat has been a long-time member of the Lions Club and a dedicated member of his church. His aptitude for mechanics led him to first work in the automotive industry and then became a qualified millwright in a mining town.

In later life he and his wife moved with their youngest son to a home they built in Aldergrove. Eventually, for medical reasons, the couple moved to Chilliwack, where Klapprat continued to serve with the Lions.

Aldergrove residents can honor Klapprat, and support other local families living with dementia, by taking part or donating to the Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s on May 1 in Chilliwack.

"Memories make us who we are," says Walk Chair Ron Angell. "When you walk, you honour those who have passed and support our work to provide help and hope to those living with the disease today."

Angell encourages participation because "everyone will be touched by dementia, whether it’s a relative, a friend or someone in your community. You can make a difference."

Walk registration takes place at 1 p.m. at Landing Sports Centre, 45530 Spadina Avenue in Chilliwack. The Walk begins at 2 p.m.

Individuals and teams are welcome, and are asked to collect pledges. Funds raised support programs and services in the community that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and for their families as well as support other activities like education and public awareness.

Any team that raises more than $1,000 by April 15 will be entered into a draw for a $500 Best Buy gift card.

Volunteers are also needed. For more information, visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca or contact local Walk Chair Ron Angell at 604-845-4374 or rdangell@telus.net.

Walk for Alzheimer’s is Canada’s biggest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Already approximately 747,000 Canadians have the disease, with 70,000 of them in British Columbia. That number will nearly double in the next 20 years, as age is the biggest risk factor and people are living longer.

For more information on local resources to help families live well with Alzheimer's and other dementias, visit www.alzheimerbc.org