- Tamil Heritage Month - January 2026
- Kawasaki Disease Day - January 26, 2026
- Durham Region Hospice Awareness Day - January 29, 2026
- National 211 Day - February 11, 2026
- Amyloidosis Awareness Month - March 2026
- National Poison Prevention Week - March 15-21, 2026
Tamil Heritage Month - January 2026
January marks Tamil Heritage Month, it is an opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of the Tamil culture, language, and heritage. We also recognize the many contributions of Tamil-Canadians, both past and present, as they continue to shape and enhance the very essence of our society.
Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas around the world. Here in Pickering, we have a large and growing Tamil-Canadian community, playing a vital role in our City.
Tamil-Canadians have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our society, making waves in various fields, from politics, healthcare, business, arts, and beyond. Their accomplishments not only reflect their individual excellence but also stand as a testament to the integral role they play in shaping our community.
Kawasaki Disease Day - January 26, 2026
Kawasaki Disease Canada, a national charity incorporated in 2014, is dedicated to ensuring Kawasaki disease remains top‑of‑mind for Canadians and to protecting children’s heart health. As the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, early recognition of Kawasaki disease is critical, and increased awareness of its symptoms can save lives. Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki first identified the symptoms that defined the disease on January 26, 1961. More than 50 years later, its cause remains unknown, making public awareness more important than ever. As the only national charity focused on improving outcomes for affected children and families, Kawasaki Disease Canada continues to work with medical professionals and international partners to advance education, awareness, and early diagnosis across the country.
For more information, visit: https://kdcanada.org/
Durham Region Hospice Awareness Day - January 29, 2026
Wednesday, January 29, 2026 is Durham Region Hospice Awareness Day. In 2018, the Capital Campaign was launched to raise the necessary funds in order to construct a 10-bed hospice residence that would provide comfort, care and compassion for any Durham Region resident who was facing end-of-life due to a terminal illness, and their families. Construction on Hospice Whitby-Roger Anderson House began in April 2025 and the first resident is anticipated to be welcomed in late fall 2026.
National 211 Day - February 11, 2026
211 provides residents of Pickering with information and referral to the complete range of government, health, community and social services in their communities. 211 is a free and confidential service available 24/7 in 200+ languages by phone. Service is also available online at 211central.ca and via text, chat and email. 211 is supported by United Way Durham Region. Residents of Pickering can contact 211 for information and referral to:
- Health Services & Mental Health Supports
- Income Support & Financial Assistance
- Food Banks, Meal Programs & Grocery Delivery
- Housing Help & Emergency Shelter
- Support Services for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities & More
Every year on February 11, United Ways and 211s across Canada celebrate National 211 Day. National 211 Day is a public awareness initiative for the award-winning 211 service that helps guide individuals and families through the complex network of human services by phone, online, text, chat and email.
For more information, please visit: 211central.ca
Amyloidosis Awareness Month - March 2026
The Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network (CASN) is a federally registered non-profit organization that supports patients and families impacted by amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is a group of diseases caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins in organs and tissues of the body. Left untreated, the disease can result in organ failure and can be fatal.
The goal of CASN is to educate more Canadians about the signs and symptoms of this disease during Amyloidosis Awareness Month in March, and to ensure that more Canadians not only know about this disease but can also recognize the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis.
For more information, please visit amyloidosiscanada.org
National Poison Prevention Week - March 15-21, 2026
The Ontario Poison Centre (OPC), a 24/7 telephone help line provides specialized poison management advice for the general public and health care professionals across Ontario, and other provinces. The OPC handles approximately 140,000 exposure cases each year, the majority of which are unintentional and preventable.
Each year, OPC participates in National Poison Prevention Week, which raises awareness and provides education about preventing unintentional poisoning. National Poison Prevention Week takes place during the third full week of March. In the early 1980s, Poison Centres across Canada also began to promote the event during this same week. The OPC hopes to raise awareness about the importance of poison prevention, encourage public education on safe practices, and highlight the critical role of Poison Centres in providing life-saving information and assistance to families and communities across Canada.
For more information, please visit ontariopoisoncentre.ca