FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alzheimer Society Calgary, Espy Experience to Launch Unique Awareness Initiative on Valentine’s Day
“Love-lock” public art project honors loved ones for a good cause
Calgary, AB: The Alzheimer Society of Calgary and Inglewood-based clothing boutique Espy Experience are teaming up to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a unique project: an interactive, public art piece that lets local people create a ‘love lock’ to celebrate the special relationships in their lives.
In the past two decades, fixing padlocks with names and dates on public structures to symbolize ‘unbreakable’ love has grown in popularity around the world. Local entrepreneur and owner of Espy Experience, Megan Szanik, is working with several Calgary-based partners to build the structure and custom locks.
“We want to give people the chance to ‘lock in’ all kinds of love and memories,” says Szanik.
“Valentine’s Day shouldn’t have to be just about romantic love. Self-love, family love, friendship and care for the community are all equally important. We want to honor those bonds in a tangible way while spreading love even further by giving something back to people in need.”
Barb Ferguson, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, says the love lock concept is an especially fitting tribute to the bond between people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones, who demonstrate heightened levels of commitment, compassion, and care.
“Dementia can affect a person in many ways. We can choose to be loyal to that person and love them no matter what, simply because of who they are to us,” says Ferguson.
“Almost everyone in our city has been touched in some way by Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. The people we’ve lost, and those who are fighting these diseases right now, remain locked in our hearts and in the cherished moments we’ve shared.”
A one-of-a-kind, heart-shaped metal sculpture will be temporarily placed outside Espy starting February 14. Locks can be purchased from Espy for $10, written on, and fixed to the sculpture until March. Szanik aims to have the sculpture placed in one of Inglewood’s public parks in future.
All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, supporting local people impacted by dementia.
To learn more about the #SpreadLove Project and how you can create your own love lock at Espy, visit https://espyexperience.com/love-is-spreading-on-9th-ave.
To learn more about the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, visit www.alzheimercalgary.ca.
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The Alzheimer Society of Calgary is a local, non-profit organization. For thousands of Calgary and area families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, this is where community, insight, and empowerment begin. Alzheimer Society Calgary works to ensure people impacted by dementia have access to high-quality education, care and support throughout their journey of impact. For more information, visit www.alzheimercalgary.ca
Espy Experience is an affordable designer boutique located in Calgary, Alberta in the historic Inglewood neighborhood. Espy’s concept is simple: make people feel good. There are 3 tiers to what the espy experience is; professional styling, affordable fashion and community involvement. For more information, visit www.espyexperience.com
Media Contact:
Allyson Kenny
Coordinator, Communication & Engagement
Alzheimer Society of Calgary
Direct: 403.301.2934
Mobile: 587.500.1122
