For 40 years, Share Lawyers has had the privilege of representing over 10,000 Canadians through some of their most difficult moments. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are giving back to the communities that have inspired us.

From November until February, we have created our 40 Days of Giving. During this time, we will be supporting 40 organizations, programs, and community causes across Canada, suggested by our clients and our online followers.

Each blog in this series introduces one of the 40 charities, explains what they do, and shows how you can support them. Today, on Day 2, we're proud to support the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Nominated by our community

A diagnosis of dementia changes the life of an entire family — not just the person receiving it. Spouses and adult children often become caregivers while trying to stay in the workforce and manage rising costs at home. And when a person can no longer work because of a cognitive condition, the family can face a sudden loss of income on top of everything else.

That is why the Alzheimer Society of Canada matters to our community, including Susan T. The Society connects families to support, education, and community from the first day of a diagnosis. That kind of help makes a real difference for families facing one of life's hardest transitions.

"My mom was diagnosed with dementia 5 years ago, and for several years I acted as her full-time caregiver while still trying to work a full-time job. I ended up taking stress leave, and was off work until she had to move into assisted living. The research the Alzheimer Society does is invaluable, and they have many amazing resources to help the whole family, including how to take care of yourself as a caregiver. I am forever grateful to the work they're doing."

Share Lawyers has spent 40 years helping Canadians whose injuries or illnesses prevent them from working, including long term disability claims. We understand that a family's recovery is about more than a legal outcome — it is about rebuilding a life together. Giving back to the community is a natural extension of that work.

About the Alzheimer Society of Canada

The Alzheimer Society of Canada is a national charity that supports people living with dementia and the families who care for them. You may recognize its Forget Me Not symbol.

What does the Alzheimer Society of Canada do?

The Society's mission is "to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and to promote the search for causes, treatments and a cure" (Alzheimer Society of Canada). Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Across the country, Alzheimer Societies offer programs and services that include:

• Education and resources for people living with dementia, caregivers, and families

• Support services available wherever you live in Canada

• Research funding through the Alzheimer Society Research Program

• Advocacy so Canadians affected by dementia can make their voices heard

Why this work matters

More than 770,000 people in Canada are living with dementia today. Every day, more than 414 Canadians develop the condition. By 2030, researchers project that nearly one million people in Canada will be living with dementia.

Since 1989, the Alzheimer Society Research Program has invested over $87 million in innovative dementia research across Canada.

A Canadian first

The Society began in 1977, when researchers in Toronto saw that families affected by Alzheimer's disease had nowhere to turn. It was incorporated federally in 1978 — the first organization of its kind in the world — with three goals that still guide its work today: family support, education, and research.

Today, the Alzheimer Society of Canada works as a federation with provincial and local Alzheimer Societies across the country, so that families can access help in their own communities.

The First Link® Program

First Link® is the Alzheimer Society's signature referral program. It connects people living with dementia and their care partners with the Society's education, support, and community services — at the time of diagnosis and throughout the disease.

How First Link® works

When a referral is received, a First Link® staff member from the person's local Alzheimer Society contacts them directly and connects them to programs and services in their community. A referral can come from:

• The person themselves or a family member

• A family physician or other health-care provider

• A community service provider

Connecting with First Link® means families can:

• Receive one-on-one or group support

• Be referred to local health-care providers and community services

• Meet other people in similar circumstances

• Get help planning for the future

Connecting to the right supports early can make a real difference for both the person diagnosed and their care partner.

How You Can Support the Alzheimer Society of Canada

There are many ways to help:

• Create or support a fundraiser — Start your own community fundraiser or contribute to an existing one.

• Leave a legacy gift — Include a gift to the Society in your Will.

• Spread the word — Share this blog or the Society's resources so more families know where to turn.

Every gift helps fund research and supports the families who need it most.

Share Lawyers is an independent supporter of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The Alzheimer Society of Canada does not endorse or recommend any law firm or legal services.