The Alzheimer Society of Toronto drew on one of Canada's most successful films of recent years, Away From Her, to demonstrate the impact of the disease to attendees at its third annual gala Tuesday night. (The film portrays the story of a man coping with his wife's struggle with the disease.) The organization honoured actor Gordon Pinsent (who was unable to attend) and the film's director, Sarah Polley, prior to the sold-out event.
Guests watched four clips from the film during the gala, including the final scene, in which Julie Christie's character forgets who her husband (played by Pinsent) is. Dr. Robert Lester, the former executive vice-president for medical and academic affairs at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and whose wife has dementia, was the keynote speaker. "Every year, the emotional quotient has gone up," said Francoise Hebert, C.E.O. of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. "We really try to make people understand how cruel this disease is and how they can help by donating money."
The gala, which drew 390 guests and was sponsored by the Bank of Montreal, raised more than $350,000. All guests received a copy of the film as a gift.
