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Our Memory Walk

You may already be aware that the Alzheimer’s Society has had to cancel their public walks because of Covid-19. These public walks were a real boost to their fundraising.

For example, the walk that usually takes place at South Shields every October is not going ahead which is a real shame as over 1,000 walkers  gather for a walk along the coast and raise over £160,000 for the charity.

One of our Library Volunteers, Miriam, decided that it would be a good idea to get a few volunteers together and do a memory walk around Boldon and Cleadon to raise awareness of dementia and how the Library is becoming more dementia-friendly, and to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. She has gathered together a team of 10 volunteers who will be pulling on their walking boots to do a 6 mile memory walk on Sunday 20th September. Let’s hope the weather will be good otherwise it could seem like a very long 6 miles if it is windy and raining.

The Team

To help with the publicity for the memory walk the team of walkers met outside the Library for a photo shoot, check them out in the photo below:

The memory walk team standing in front of the Library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tenth walker can’t make the shoot but here is Sarah:

Photo of Sarah wearing her Memory walk T shirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Walk

The volunteers will be starting at the Library and doing a circular route around West Boldon, Boldon Colliery then up to Cleadon along to East Boldon and finishing back at the Library. The route follows the main roads so that we are hoping to be spotted by other people either out for a Sunday stroll themselves or passing in the car. Look out for our Memory Walk t-shirts!

Howard will be taking photos of us en route so we should be able to keep you posted of our progress on Facebook and also on the Library’s website. We may even have a GPS tracker like Santa so every step traced, if we can sort out the technology.

Local Support

We have been overwhelmed with the support of local businesses and clubs especially in these times when some are just re-opening themselves, and all having to be mindful of being covid-safe. They have helped by taking in collection tins, putting up publicity flyers, adding articles onto their Facebook pages, and newsletters such as St Nicholas’. Also some will be opening their doors on the day of the walk so we can have pit stops for drink and toilet breaks. So a big thanks to you all. Here are  snapshots of some of our supporters – more to follow on Facebook.

lady from Boldon Community Centre holding donation bucket for the memory walkCouple holding bucket in support of the memory walk in front of Post officeChap standing in front of Boldon Cricket Club with a donation bucket in support of the memory walk

Couple holding donations bucket at The Black Horse in support of the memory walk

Chap standing in front of the Grey Horse with a donation bucket in support of the memory walk

Donation bucket in support of the memory walk on wall with Church behind

Ways to donate
We had set ourselves a target of £1,000 which we reached by 25th August through everyone’s generous donations. We are hoping to raise even more money for the Alzheimer’s Society, so please donate. Don’t forget to gift aid your donation, if you are eligible to, as every £1 becomes £1.25.
There are several ways you can donate to this worthy cause:

Just Giving
We have our own Just Giving page so people can make donations online so it is safe and quick to do. Our link is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thelibrary Alternatively, if you have a smart phone use the QR Code, simply open the camera on your mobile point it at the image of the QR Code and it will take you straight to the page on Just Giving.

Donation/Sponsorship Forms
If you or others prefer to make a donation offline also known as the “traditional way”, the team of walkers have donation/sponsorship forms. So if you know a team member, you could donate this way.

Collection Tins

If you visit the Library before 20th September there is a collection tin on Reception for cash donations. Also a number of local businesses and organisations have kindly taken collection tins so you will find them at the Grey Horse, West Boldon Post Office, the Black Horse, Boldon Community Centre, The Britannia, La Vina, Boldon Cricket & Squash Club, and No 4 Bistro.

Collection Bucket at the Grey Horse
James the manager of the Grey Horse has kindly agreed that we can have a collection bucket on Saturday 19th September from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to get cash donations. So if you are passing it’s another opportunity to support the Memory Walk and the Alzheimer’s Society.

On the Walk
We will have a collection bucket on our 6 mile trip of Boldon and Cleadon so donations can be made of the day, obviously keeping a safe distance.

Gift Aid
If you can, remember to gift aid your donation as every £1 becomes £1.25. It makes such a difference for the charity.
Hope you can support our Memory Walk and make a donation, and encourage others as well.

Links
Our Memory Walk Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thelibrary
The Library’s Facebook for updates https://www.facebook.com/groups/154398761925910/
For more information on dementia and support available visit the Alzheimer’s Society website https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/