Restaurants from Pickering to Bowmanville participating in Dining for Dementia campaign

A campaign to support people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia returns to Durham Region in January, with 14 local restaurants signed on to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region.

The Dining for Dementia campaign will see the restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds throughout the month to the local Alzheimer’s Society, with this year’s campaign promising to be bigger and more impactful, with more local businesses joining the movement to create a lasting impact in the community.

More than 700,000 Canadians live with dementia – with that number expected to rise as the population ages – and Alzheimer’s affects nearly 12,000 individuals and families in Durham.

“Funds raised through Dining for Dementia go directly to our programs that provide support to individuals and families living with dementia,” said Alzheimer Society Durham Region Manager of Development Kendal Ferrara. “From counseling and education to support groups and social recreation programming, these resources make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful for the support of local restaurants and the Durham Region community

Each restaurant determines how they will donate with many giving a percentage of the proceeds from a selected dish or a percentage of diners’ bills. Members of the community are encouraged to visit the participating restaurants in January, with the funds raised going directly to programs and services that support people living with dementia and their care partners.

Dining for Dementia restaurants are also given the opportunity to participate in Dementia Friendly Communities training, which teaches the restaurant owners and staff how their space can be a more welcoming and safer environment for those living with dementia.

Training is available for local retailers, businesses and organizations, as well as restaurants.

Chanterelle Bistro in Bowmanville became the first Durham Region restaurant to become an official Dementia Friendly Supporter earlier this year.

“At Chanterelle Bistro it was important for us to become a Dementia Friendly Supporter so that we could continue to provide the best possible service to everyone in the community,” said restaurant owner Becky Thompson. “We want community members to recognize that we are a place they can feel comfortable taking their loved ones, knowing that our servers are patient, empathetic and willing to take every step necessary to make it a positive dining experience for everyone.”

Chanterelle Bistro, as well as Boston Pizza in Uxbridge, Sabina’s in Pickering and The Yardbird in Bowmanville were involved in the campaign in 2024 and will be participating once again next month.

Other restaurants in Durham participating in the campaign in January include:

• The Blue Rooster in Ajax
• Boston Pizza Ajax
• Bistro 67 in Whitby
• Cucini Exress in Whitby
• The Gibson Gastro Pub at Amica Taunton in Whitby
• Los Cabos in Whitby
• PJs Restaurant in Whitby
• The Oakridge Pub in Port Perry
• Boston Pizza Bowmanville
• Sweets on Stainton in Courtice

Visit diningfordementia.ca to learn how each restaurant will give back in January.

The funds raised directly support the Alzheimer Society’s local programs and services offering respite for care partners, education, health care navigation and resources.

To learn more about available programs and services visit www.alzheimer.ca/durham.

Chanterelle Bistro, Bowmanville