On Friday 1st March, Mahon Point Shopping Centre hosted The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) Denim Day for Dementia.
Now in its sixth year, the popular fundraising campaign aims to unite communities to support families living with dementia, by wearing denim to raise awareness and funds for The ASI. The staff at Mahon Point supported the day by donning their denims and were joined by clients from The ASI Bessboro Day Care Centre, and ASI Staff.
Mahon Point made history in November 2023, becoming the first Dementia-Inclusive Shopping Centre in Ireland and earning the Dementia Inclusive Community Friends of ASI accreditation. The management, staff of Mahon Point, and the Retail staff across the stores in the Centre completed Dementia-Inclusive Training provided by The ASI. This training allows Mahon Point to provide a welcoming and positive shopping environment to people living with dementia and their families.
The ASI must raise €3.6 million this year to maintain crucial supports and services, including the National Helpline, Family Carer Training, Social Clubs, and Alzheimer’s Cafes. This year’s campaign targets a fundraising goal of €50,000 to support families nationwide living with dementia.
Adam Isherwood, Operations Manager at Mahon Point said: “Mahon Point Shopping Centre is delighted to host the Alzheimer Society of Ireland today, in November, we became Ireland’s first Dementia-friendly shopping centre. Together with our retail stores, we aim to create a space where every individual can navigate with ease and dignity, ensuring inclusivity for all.”
The ASI Head of Fundraising, Mairéad Dillon, said: “We’re honoured that Mahon Point opened their doors to host a Denim Day for Dementia. Last year they became the first Dementia-Inclusive Shopping Centre in Ireland, and by hosting a Denim Day, they reinforce their commitment to creating a space for people living with dementia and their families with their hospitality today. They’re raising vital funds and awareness for The ASI. I want to offer my sincere thanks on behalf of the Society to the management, staff, and stores in Mahon Point that took part in Denim Day today.”
An estimated 7, 509 people in Cork and 64,000 people nationwide live with dementia, with one in 10 diagnoses occurring in individuals under the age of 65, often referred to as young-onset or early-onset dementia.