History & Milestones
1984
Fall
A community based decision was made that identified a need for a local chapter of the Alzheimer Society
1985
January
A core group of relatives and professional caregivers was formed and the founding meeting was held at the Plummer Hospital.
Spring
The first general public meeting was held.
November
A second meeting was held.
First Alzheimer Awareness Month was held in Sault Ste. Marie.
1986
Affiliation with the national Alzheimer Association was confirmed, with 2 members attending the national conference in Toronto.
1987
Alzheimer Ontario received $2 million through the Trillium Foundation for distribution to new chapters for start-up funds.
The Sault Chapter used its portion of the funds to hire a staff person and establish an office. Support groups also began at the Plummer Hospital.
May
Our first office coordinator was hired and was operating out of her home.
September
The office was relocated to Merrett's I.D.A. Pharmacy.
November 3rd
The Society received its incorporation status on November 3, 1987.
1997
The Alzheimer Society relocated to their current address at 633 Albert St. E.
2003
An in-home Recreation Therapy program was established with the initial assistance of a 2-year Trillium grant.
2005
A satellite office was established at Huron Lodge in Elliot Lake to provide services to East Algoma and the North Shore.
2006
GreenBelt bingo hall ceased operation and a significant course of revenue for over 15 years also stopped.
The Society won the prestigious Donner Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services for People with Disabilities.
2008
The Society's budget is over $300,000, with the primary source of revenue coming from fundraising and donations, followed closely by funding from the Local Health Integration Network.
2009
The Society established a second satellite office to further our service area. The North Algoma office was opened in Wawa operating out of the Lady Dunn Health Centre.
The First Link Program started through funding from the Local Health Integration Network.
The Society currently has over 220 registered volunteers and is governed by an 11-member volunteer board of directors.