Hundreds walked Sunday for the memories of those who cannot remember.
About 200 people laced up their running shoes and took to the indoor track at the CNC for the seventh annual Walk for Memories, sponsored by Investors Group.
"I'm amazed at the support from our community," said Michelle Hallgren, support and education co-ordinator for the Alzheimer's Society in the North and Central Okanagan.
"The journey of dementia can be difficult and we want everyone to know that they don't have to walk it alone."
Caregivers are being honoured this year for their work with with Alzheimer patients.
Diane Brownrigg was one of these caregivers. The Kelowna woman works for Home Instead of Senior Care, and it was her third year walking. Home Instead of Senior Care currently looks after 55 clients with some form of dementia.
Brownrigg has seen the effects that dementia takes on her patients, but she's also dealt with it personally as well. "I'm walking for my dad who died in December," she said. "He battled Alzheimer's for 15 years."
Stan Nisbet waited with camera on hand for his wife to complete her laps around the track. The Kelowna senior's wife, Phyllis, was diagnosed with early stage dementia five years ago and did the walk on her own. Nisbet credits the Alzheimer's Society with being a supportive resource for families with loved ones with dementia.
"They have training sessions for caregivers and support groups every two weeks. It's been a worthwhile organization to participate in," he said.
More than 70,000 British Columbians are living with dementia, and with this number on the rise, raising awareness has never been more important.
"Our goal is to increase awareness and help with fundraising with the Alzheimer's Society of British Columbia. We want to raise $35,000 this year,"said Pierce Walsh, the organizer of the walk.
The walk took place across 23 communities in B.C. and raised $715,000 in 2012.
For more information on the society, call 250-860-0305.