FAQ
What is the Operation KeepSafe® Challenge?
Walk or run 60 miles, accumulated over 31 days in October.
The Challenge (#1) helps raise awareness for Dementia, those living with Dementia, caregivers/care partners, the Dementia Society, and our Operation KeepSafe program, and (#2) enables those who wish to fundraise on our behalf. Money raised through challenges helps fund our programs: awareness/education, local resources hotline (1-800-DEMENTIA®) and directory, life enrichment, recognition, and investment in outstanding care, innovation, and research.
Operation KeepSafe is a Dementia Society life-enrichment program that provides medical ID kits and online profiles to individuals subject to elopement, getting lost, and critical wandering. Click here to apply for yourself or a loved one or learn more about the program.
Tell me more about the Dementia Society of America.
We're a national volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Please visit our home page, learn about our mission, and explore our site.
Do you have challenge shirts?
They're fantastic to wear, and they show your love and support! The amount shown in our online shop is a donation.
The Fair Market Value (FMV) is a percent of the donated amount. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; therefore, the donated amount is tax-deductible to the extent law allows. Please check with your tax professional for more information.
Please, get your shirt and wear it with pride! Click here.
Is this Challenge only on Facebook?
Yes. That doesn't mean you can't share your pix and participation on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social media platforms. Still, the registration, mile tracking, Messenger communications, and leaderboards are all handled on Facebook.
What hashtags should I use?
#OperationKeepSafeChallenge #DementiaSociety #OKS
Must I donate to participate or ask others to do so?
We'd love it if you did, but no one is required to donate.
Must I pay a registration fee?
There's no registration fee.
Must I only walk or run?
You can also walk, run, roll, and crawl (we don't suggest crawling), but you get the idea. Please log your miles traveled through Facebook Messenger after every portion of your journey - to be counted on the leaderboard.
When will miles start to be counted?
Your miles will start to be counted on October 1. Once you're a part of the group, follow the instructions to access the "Menu" through Messenger to log miles.
When can I start my fundraising?
You may start a fundraiser and invite others to join you now. Please follow the instructions provided on the group home page to set one up.
Why 60 miles?
Some would say, "What?! OMG, 60 miles? That's a long way!" Well, you can accomplish the goal over an entire month.
How many steps are in each mile?
A little over 2,000, on average. That means if you walk 5,000 steps a day, you'll be doing more than 2.5 miles, and 10,000 steps a day would be around 5 miles.
Can I use Strava, Garmin, Fitbit, or another wearable to synch miles?
We're sorry, but we're unable to connect electronic devices now.
Why only 60 miles? Can I set a higher goal?
Suppose 60 miles is your typical weekend jaunt; then LEVEL UP! Set a goal that is uniquely challenging for YOU!
