Jessiman Foundation donates $625K to expand dementia supports in Manitoba

The four-year commitment — and second major donation from the foundation — will allow the organization to hire additional staff, helping it respond more quickly to families seeking support, increase follow-up with clients and expand support groups.

“The number of people living with dementia is staggering, and knowing there is an organization dedicated to surrounding them with community and support is deeply meaningful to us,” said Peter Jessiman in a news release.

The Alzheimer Society says it currently serves more than 7,100 clients through its First Link Client Support program. It estimates more than 20,300 Manitobans are living with dementia, a number expected to double in the coming years.

“This gift brings hope — hope that more families will find the support they need, hope that people living with dementia will feel a community standing beside them, and hope that together, we can build a stronger future for dementia care in Manitoba,” ASM CEO Erin Crawford said the release.