This was an in-person meeting and a recording is not available.
Guests
Sue Parker, Guest of Gary Parker
Larry Lutgendorff, Director of Fund Development, Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington, Guest Speaker
Happy Jar
Everyone was happy to back at Rotary in a new Year!
Club Announcements
A Better Tent City
Neil Swayze, chair of the committee reminded members that your ABTC committee will be conducting our second drive for 'personal hygiene' products for the residents of ABTC. The drive will begin on Monday, Jan. 12th and end on Monday, Feb. 9th. We are asking members to bring any items to our in-person meetings. We have included a list of personal care items that are needed. You can donate a single item or several. Thank you in advance.
LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS: disposable razors & shaving foam, toothbrushes & toothpaste, body wash/gel & body lotion for dry skin, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, bars of soap, face cloths and bath towels [travel or regular size containers are preferred]. There are also several residents that require Polident denture adhesive, hair brushes, nail clippers / emery boards.
From The Rotary Club of Orangeville Highlands
In the Orangeville area we have an award-winning teacher and historian, Neil Orford, who has been organizing tours to Europe to visit historic places . Neil Orford has put together a very special Remembrance Tour for Rotarians and friends, taking place from November 1-15, 2026
This will be an unforgettable 15-day journey through the iconic battlefields of Canada’s First and Second World Wars. Neil Orford will be guiding the tour and bringing the group to places that many others do not get access to. On November 11th, the group will be part of the Remembrance Day ceremony on Juno Beach. $200 from each registration will be donated to the Juno Beach Centre revitalization project.
For more information, please check out the website through the following link:
Our guest speaker today was Larry Lutgendorff, Director of Fund Development for the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington. Tom Connelly, the Volunteer and Events Coordinator for the Society was originally scheduled to be with us but was ill and Larry stepped in on his behalf.
In his role as Director of Fund Development Larry led the shift of the organizations fund-raising efforts from a passive fundraising to an intentionally planned approach that engaged donors through direct philanthropic appeals. This included reorganization of the Fund Development department by creating an annual fund development plan, reviewing and updating all policies and procedures and increasing revenue generating activities. In the post COVID environment, he renewed the annual Walk for Alzheimer's, successfully increasing the participation and revenue generation rates. Prior to coming to the Alzheimer Society Larry was the Director, Communications and Fundraising at Ray of Hope Inc. in Kitchener and before that he was the Donor Advisor, Major Gifts for the Canadian Bible Society in Toronto
Larry spoke about the impact of Alzheimer and other dementias on the individuals so diagnosed and the rest of their family members and care givers. There is no cure but there are new drugs available that help to slow down the progress of the different forms of dementia as well as steps that can be taken to help delay the progress as well. A critical component of the effectiveness of both the drugs and the actions that can be taken is early detection.
There are three main activities that are critical to helping to delay dementia and lesson its impacts:
Exercise / Physical Activity
Cognitive Stimulation
Social Interaction
These have the greatest effect when they work in combination and that is the focus of several of the programs the Society offers to support patients and their families. For all of these programs volunteers are essential to their operation. One of the key [programs they offer is Minds In Motion.
About Minds in Motion
Combines gentle physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation
Designed for individuals living with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners
8-week program, once per week, in-person or virtual
Proven benefits: improved mobility, flexibility, alertness, and confidence
Program Impact
Participants report improved strength, endurance, and confidence
Care partners feel supported and connected
Volunteers report greater knowledge of dementia and community care
Why Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s society?
Make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia
Build community and connection
Gain skills and experience in health, recreation, and social inclusion
Support programs that improve quality of life and reduce isolation
Benefits of Volunteering
Personal Growth: learn about dementia, communication, and inclusive support
Connection: build meaningful relationships
Skill Development: gain experience in recreation, facilitation, and community service
Wellbeing: volunteering boosts your mood and sense of purpose
Introducing The Social (Launching 2026)
A new program offering engagement, stimulation, and socialization for people living with dementia
Focused on six domains of wellbeing: cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, and physical
Provides care partners with time to focus on their own needs
Participants attend one consistent weekly session led by a Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator and supported by volunteers
Volunteering with The Social
Support group activities, conversation, and creative engagement
Foster an inclusive, friendly atmosphere
Roles: greeter/host, activity assistant, refreshment coordinator, or participant buddy
Weekly commitment: help create consistency and connection for participants
Kitchener Rotary e-Newsletter
