Purchasing a cup of coffee Sept. 18 can do more than just jump start your morning.
It can, one dollar at a time, help to provide support, education and critical services to the almost half a million people living with Alzheimer disease and related disorders.
The Alzheimer Society homes to raise $1.3 million through the event for essential programs and services for people with Alzheimer's disease, their caregivers and their families.
"Alzheimer disease impacts more than just the person diagnosed. The very nature of the illness, and how it eventually affects all aspects of a person's life, is devastating to the entire family," said Patricia Montpetit, executive director of the Société Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin, in a release.
At Coffee Breaks across the country, people make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee or a coffee cup paper cut-out.
Each Coffee Breakâ„¢ is unique, and can be found in a variety of locations including retail stores, businesses, schools or an individual's home.
To accommodate people who can't participate in a traditional coffee break, our Cyber Café gives people the option to set up a personalized Web page to collect funds online in exchange for a 'virtual' cup of coffee at www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca . 
Through events like Coffee Breakâ„¢, the Alzheimer Society raises awareness about the disease, and emphasizes the importance of increased research funding, improved treatments and risk reduction strategies.
The Alzheimer Society is also calling on governments across the country to take action now, and make dementia a nationwide health care priority. For more information on our programs, research initiatives and advocacy work, please visit www.alzheimer.ca
For more information about the event, phone 524-2024, ext. 233.
