A family and friends cookbook, created as a memorial tribute to the late Isabell MacKenzie has been so much in demand that it has gone to a third printing, daughter Linda Wendt said.

The cookbook was first published last spring by family members, in memory of their mother and grandmother, who died last year with Alzheimer's disease. Sales of the cookbook, which was launched on June 24, were so successful that second and third printings were required to meet the demand.

Cookbook sales and money raised at the launch at a tea and pie social at Bruce Lea Haven in June, now total more than $5,000, all of which is being donated to the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce.

"This is the largest third-party fundraising event ever held on behalf of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce," said Bill Twaddle, Community Development Coordinator for the local society.

"We are very grateful for the financial support. Funds raised are used in the Grey-Bruce community to provide information, education and support services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders, and to their families and caregivers."

The cookbook and the launch are also very important for the increased awareness they create,
Twaddle said.Mrs. MacKenzie died in 2006 and the family decided to create the cookbook as a memorial.

"Mother taught us how to cook at home, as well during the British Hotel days in Carlsruhe and while owning a restaurant," said daughter Linda Wendt. "We thought the cookbook was a fitting way to remember her and to thank her for the wonderful memories we have."

The cookbook was been put together by family members and friends of Mrs. MacKenzie. There are more than 300 recipes, including 85 recipes from staff and residents of Brucelea Haven.

Copies of the cookbook are $10. They would make excellent Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers.

Copies may be ordered from the Alzheimer Society office in Owen Sound (519-376-7230 or 1-800-265-9013), or through members of the family. Contact Linda Wendt at 519-367-2905), Deanna Sulkye at 519-364-6475, Krista Fischer at 519-392-8084, Susan Spielmacher at 519-369-5999 or Trish Johnson at 519-881-1286.