Don Seitz Presents the CART Fund: Supporting Alzheimer’s Research

 

August 4, 2026

Don Seitz spoke to members about the CART Fund — Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust, a Rotary-supported initiative dedicated to funding innovative Alzheimer’s research. Founded in 1995, CART has now awarded more than $20 million in research grants, with 100% of donations going directly to research. This year, CART awarded more than $4.4 million, reflecting the growing demand for research funding and the strong support of Rotary clubs and donors.

Don also highlighted the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, noting that approximately 772,000 Canadians are living with dementia and more than 55 million people worldwide are affected. He explained that CART operates independently of Rotary International and is currently exploring a Canadian funding structure that could eventually allow Canadian researchers to become eligible for grants and expand CART’s impact in Canada.

During the discussion, Don explained that CART continues to grow through the support of Rotary clubs, districts and individual donors. He encouraged members to learn more about the program and how even small contributions can help fund promising research aimed at better understanding, treating and ultimately preventing Alzheimer’s disease

Announcements

  • Hands Across the Border: Scheduled for August 8th; parking available near duty-free with a short walk into the park.

  • Annual Book Sale: Approaching in ~4 weeks; volunteer sign-ups are being collected; lawn signs arriving next week; pickup truck needed on Wednesday at 1:00 PM for box moving.

  • Member Absence: Member traveling to England for 3 weeks; leadership coverage arranged during their absence.

  • Security Warning: A member's email has been hacked—do not click on any suspicious invitation links.

Ongoing Fundraisers

  • Miss Vicky 2027 Challenge: Join Lee and Winston's endurance ride across Zone 28 to turn $400,000 in pledged matching funds into over $1,000,027 for Rotary's PolioPlus Program.

  • Recycling Fundraiser: Accepts 5 types of beverage containers at $0.10 each; fund has reached $4,300+ since June 2023.

  • Kingha Coffee: Offers 4 types (beans/ground, dark/medium roast) at $24/bag, with $9/bag directly supporting the Foundry campaign. Has raised ~$23,000 toward the $25,000 year-end goal (33 bags sold to date). Expanding sales to the Surrey Board of Trade and other Rotary clubs.

  • Book Sale 50/50: A 50/50 draw is planned for the upcoming book sale.