Leisureworld Employees and Senior Residents Walk & Roll to Raise Funds for Alzheimer's

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 7, 2012) - On January 28, 2012, 150 Leisureworld Senior Care Corporation employees, volunteers and their families joined senior residents from many of the Leisureworld Caregiving Centres across Ontario to take part in the Alzheimer Walk for Memories events with the goal of raising much-needed funds and awareness to help support families dealing with Alzheimer's. Walking together, some rolling in wheelchairs, Leisureworld participants raised $8,000. In total, including a corporate monetary and in-kind donation to the Alzheimer Society, Leisureworld donated $16,000 to this very worthy cause.

"Our residents, staff and volunteers truly care about finding a cure for this disease," said Ruth Ramirez, Marketing Manager at Leisureworld. "Alzheimer's affects many of our residents and employees' families and they want to help in any way they can."

At the Walk for Memories event in downtown Toronto, Leisureworld employees held a raffle for a basket full of gourmet treats and encouraged all participants to enjoy the entertainment on this fun-filled family day.

At Leisureworld's Ellesmere Caregiving Centre, four residents, three employees and one volunteer participated this year. "Helping to raise funds was more than a kind gesture, it was a memorable experience," explained Erica Mugan, Program Director. "The cause is very near and dear to our residents as many of them are diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or some form of dementia."

Eight residents, nine employees and three volunteers came together to help this special cause at Leisureworld's St. George Caregiving Centre. One 80 year old volunteer continues to participate year after year. "On a sad note, another volunteer's mother passed away two years ago after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's," explained Pauline Henry, Associate Director of Nursing. "This motivated the volunteers to walk not only for a good cause but also in memory of her mother."

About Leisureworld Senior Care Corporation

Founded in 1972, Leisureworld Senior Care Corporation is the third largest long-term care provider in Ontario. Leisureworld owns and manages 26 long-term care homes, one independent living home, and three retirement homes. It cares for approximately 4,300 residents in its long-term care homes and employs over 5,000 employees. For 40 years, it has provided quality care, safe and supportive accommodation, and has created an environment where residents and clients enjoy life to the fullest. The company also operates two related businesses: Preferred Health Care Services - a provider of professional nursing and personal support services for community-based home care and long-term care homes and Ontario Long Term Care - a provider of purchasing services to the company's facilities.

Leisureworld Senior Care Corporation
Lisa Egan
VP, Communications
(905) 477-4006 Ext. 2112
www.leisureworld.ca