A resource fair on Saturday is working towards shedding a light on dementia.

Put on by Dementia Friendly Communities, the event will feature the drama presentation The Family Tear, refreshments, and community resource tables and support.

Jennifer Mallamo, DFC coordinator out of Tudor Manor, says the disease has a widespread reach and it's important support is offered for everyone it touches.

"I think there's a lot of people in the community who are faced with dementia who we don't necessarily get any face time with," she explains. "A lot of people who are caregivers and companions are struggling in silence and that's how we want to make a difference because nobody needs to be on their own in this."

DFC is partnering with local agencies such as the Okotoks Chamber of Commerce, Foothills School Division, the Okotoks Fire Department, EMS, and Town of Okotoks to help spread the word of their support work.

Mallamo says the organization's receiving great support.

"It's just been fantastic to have these folks involved... to have them really taking this on is something that's important in the community. It makes my job much easier so it's great when I have these community events because I have the opportunity to share what Dementia Friendly Communities is all about."

According to Mallamo, 6.8% of people in the Okotoks area between the ages of 65- 74 are facing dementia, and 3.3% are 75 and older. Canada wide there's 564,000 people living with dementia.

The Dementia Drama Performance & Community Resource Fair is a free event and takes place Saturday at the Okotoks United Church from 5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome with the fair being appropriate for ages 12 and up.

To register click here.

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