Steve McNeil has skated for 19 hours and 26 minutes in 12 cities across Canada to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s. He does it as a tribute to his mother, who died of this disease, and all the family members and friends caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. His mother Eunice was born in 1926 thus the connection.
McNeil, 60, an Etobicoke ON mailman and recreational hockey referee knows what it’s like to care for an Alzheimer’s victim — both his mother and mother-in-law died of the disease. He wants to give back while thanking military personnel for their service and recognize the challenges Alzheimer’s can create if family members suffer from it while they are away.
This is the tenth year Steve has skated the Alzheimer marathons. In 2022 McNeil will skate in eight in Ontario communities including at Garrison Petawawa on Saturday January 22! McNeil will step on the ice at the South Side rink at Garrison Petawawa at 12:01am and skate until 7:26pm.
Under normal circumstances he would invite people to skate with him. However, COVID-19 and the Omicron virus have changed that so Steve and local skaters will follow local restrictions for this outdoor event.
McNeil asks folks to donate $19.26 or more to the Marianhill Dementia Respite Unit through the Marianhill Foundation.
Visit 1926Skate to learn more about McNeil’s charitable events.