- Filipino Heritage Month - June 2025
- National Deafblind Awareness Month - June 2025
- Recreation and Parks Month - June 2025
- Seniors Month - June 2025
- National Health and Fitness Day - June 7, 2025
- Sickle Cell Awareness Day - June 19, 2025
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Awareness Month - May 2025
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month - May 2025
- Museum Month - May 2025
- Menstrual Health Day - May 28, 2025
Filipino Heritage Month - June 2025
Filipino Heritage Month is celebrated each June, while also commemorating Philippine Independence Day on June 12. This celebration honors the rich culture, history, and significant contributions of the Filipino community in Canada, particularly in Durham Region.
Filipino Heritage Month is a time to recognize and appreciate one of Canada's fastest-growing communities. As of the 2021 Census, there are over 957,000 Filipino Canadians, making up 2.6% of the national population. In Durham Region, the Filipino population has been steadily increasing, reflecting the broader national trend.
Filipino Canadians have made substantial contributions to Canada's healthcare system. They are notably active in the health care and social assistance sector, with 20.6% of Filipino Canadians employed in this industry—the highest proportion among visible minority groups. Their roles as caregivers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals have been especially vital during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Durham Region, municipalities like Ajax and Pickering have significant Filipino populations. For instance, in Pickering—Uxbridge, 3.6% of residents identify as Filipino, and Tagalog is among the top non-official languages spoken. The community's presence is felt across various sectors, from healthcare to education and business, contributing to the region's diversity and economic growth.
The Filipino Flag Raising Ceremony is more than a symbolic act; it's a celebration of the enduring spirit, resilience, and contributions of Filipino Canadians. As we honor their heritage and achievements, we also look forward to a future where the Filipino community continues to thrive and enrich the multicultural tapestry of Canada.
This event serves as a reminder of the strong ties between Canada and the Philippines and the invaluable role Filipino Canadians play in building a more inclusive and dynamic society.
National Deafblind Awareness Month - June 2025
On December 21, 2000, the Ontario Legislature officially proclaimed the month of June in each year as Deaf-Blind Awareness Month, to recognize that "Deafblindness is a unique disability that incorporates the sensory loss of both sight and hearing" and was created to help "recognize that increased public awareness of this disability is crucial to increase opportunities for those who live with it."
More recently, the Canadian Senate passed a motion on May 28, 2015, also recognizing June as Deafblind Awareness Month across Canada. This motion helps "to promote public awareness of deafblind issues and to recognize the contribution of Canadians who are deafblind."
June is also the birth month of Helen Keller, an internationally recognized person who lived with deafblindness.
Join in celebrating National Deafblind Awareness Month in communities across Ontario by attending an event near you. A list of events occurring nationally can be found at deafblindnetworkontario.com
Founded in 1992, Canadian Helen Keller Centre is a non-profit organization providing affordable housing, training, intervenor services, and community services to persons who are deafblind.
For more information, please visit www.chkc.org
Recreation and Parks Month - June 2025
Each June, communities across Ontario celebrate June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) — a province-wide initiative that highlights the essential role of parks and recreation in enhancing quality of life.
Recognized by municipalities, community organizations, and schools, JRPM promotes the many benefits of being active and engaged through recreational opportunities. It serves as a reminder that access to parks and recreation is a fundamental human need, supporting personal health, strong communities, and social inclusion.
JRPM is part of a national celebration, Parks and Recreation Month (PRO), and is led in partnership by Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO), the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), and local municipalities. Together, we celebrate Ontario’s outstanding parks and recreation services and raise awareness of their vital contribution to individual, community, and environmental well-being.
For more information on the City of Pickering’s involvement with JRPM, please visit pickering.ca/JRPM
Seniors Month - June 2025
June is Seniors Month in Ontario. It is a time to recognize our amazing older adults and the contributions they have made in our community.
The City of Pickering has many exciting programs and events planned to help celebrate the occasion. Community Services Staff are hosting Spotlight Series information sessions, a variety of workshops and programs, and the Seniors Month Big Band event, just to name a few.
For more information on Seniors Month programs, visit: pickering.ca/adults55plus and be sure to subscribe to the 55+ Aging Well Together Newsletter, to keep updated on program offerings.
National Health and Fitness Day - June 7, 2025
National Health and Fitness Day is an annual coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of physical activity held on the first Saturday in June.
It was established in 2014 after the Government of Canada passed the National Health and Fitness Day Act to make Canadians more aware of the important health benefits of physical activity, urge them to get more active, and encourage local governments and organizations to host events and initiatives that celebrate and promote the significance and use of parks and local fitness, sport and recreational facilities.
For more information, please visit participaction.com/programs/national-health-and-fitness-day
Sickle Cell Awareness Day - June 19, 2025
Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19, is an important observance for the sickle cell community across Ontario. Sickle Cell Awareness Group pf Ontario (SCAGO) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease through advocacy, education, support, and research. As one of the most common inherited blood disorders, sickle cell disease affects thousands of individuals, most of whom belong to the Black, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian communities. Despite its widespread impact, sickle cell disease remains under-recognized and under-supported in many regions of Canada.
For more information, please visit sicklecellanemia.ca
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Awareness Month - May 2025
The Month of May, has been internationally designated as " Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Awareness Month" to educate the public and to focus attention on these rare conditions. The GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada is a national, not-for-profit patient organization that supports patients and families afflicted with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and variants such as Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, where patients are served through support, education, research and advocacy.
GBS has a sudden onset of symptoms, which can cause complete paralysis within a day. Recovery can be unpredictable, patients and their families face an uncertain future, usually requiring months of hospital care without knowing if or when they will recover, or whether they will face long-term disabilities. Earlier diagnosis, treatment, and access to rehabilitation services can improve the chances of avoiding permanent lifelong residual damage of the nerves. The cause of these conditions is unknown, and can develop in any person, regardless of age, gender or ethnic background.
Raising awareness of these rare conditions is important for existing and future patients. The goal is to receive help sooner and have a stronger sense of hope. The GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada provides support and information through trained volunteers, website engagement, materials provided to hospitals, and the organization of local and online peer-to-peer support group meetings, patient educational events and building awareness within the medical community. The GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada advocates for access to diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and also support Canadian research that aims to improve the quality of life of GBS, CIDP, and variants patients.
While considered rare diseases, in Canada GBS affects 2 in 100,000, and in Zika outbreaks 9-24 in 100,000. CIDP effects 5-7 in 100,000.
For more information, please visit: www.gbscidp.ca
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month - May 2025
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. Over 90,000 Canadians live with MS and on average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed with the disease every day. MS is a neurological disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Each person is affected by MS differently. The most common MS symptoms include fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder and bowel problems, and cognitive and mood changes. Approximately 1 in every 400 Canadians live with MS, and most of us know someone who is affected by the disease. MS Canada provides information, support, education and other resources for people affected by MS and their support networks.
For more information about MS and MS Canada, please visit: mscanada.ca
Museum Month - May 2025
Occurring annually since 2000, May is Museum Month and is a program run by the Ontario Museum Association celebrating Ontario’s 700+ museums, galleries, and heritage sites, as well as their 7,000 employees and 16,000 volunteers. It is an opportunity to celebrate the impact they have as trusted local organizations, building community connections and engagement, driving local economies and inspiring lifelong learning.
Museum Month coincides with International Museum Day on May 18th, an initiative organized by the International Council of Museums that raises awareness for museums as centres of learning, innovation, and cultural understanding. Through research, programming and community engagement, museums have a cascading effect that fosters positive change. Some initiatives include: supporting climate action, fostering inclusivity, tackling social isolation, improving mental health, and advancing Truth and Reconciliation.
For more information, please visit: museumsontario.ca
Menstrual Health Day - May 28, 2025
Initiated by German non-profit WASH United in 2014, Menstrual Health* Day (MH Day) is a global day of action with more than 1,100 partner organizations working together to raise awareness and break the taboo around menstrual health. The second aim of MH Day is to urge global, national and local leaders to prioritize and act on Menstrual Health.
The Period Purse is a non-profit registered charity that launched in Toronto in 2017. The Period Purse strives to achieve menstrual equity by providing people who menstruate access to free menstrual products and to reduce the negative stigma associated with periods through education and advocacy.
For more information, please visit theperiodpurse.com