- Filipino Heritage Month - June 2025
- National Deafblind Awareness Month - June 2025
- Recreation and Parks Month - June 2025
- Seniors Month - June 2025
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15, 2025
- Sickle Cell Awareness Day - June 19, 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.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15, 2025
June 15, 2025 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Older adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and valued as contributing members of society, imparting a wealth of experience and wisdom in our communities. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, proclaimed this day to recognize the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
We all need to recognize the importance of taking action to invest in creating social change, to prioritize the prevention of elder abuse and raise awareness to foster a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults and their rights. Elder abuse has a significant impact on the lives of older adults and families; and is not limited to race, gender, culture, or circumstance, and regardless of whether the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual, financial or neglect; ageism and social isolation are major causes of elder abuse in Ontario.
Recognizing that it is up to all of us, as citizens, organizations, communities, and governments, to work collectively to prevent violence and abuse of older adults in their homes and communities. Preventing abuse of older adults through improving and maintaining social and health services and systems such as housing, income security, and safety will improve their quality of life and allow them to live independently and contribute to the vibrancy of Ontario. Where there is respect for human rights, equality, and justice there can be no abuse; therefore, all residents are urged to join this global movement to promote the Rights of Older Adults and Stop Abuse and Restore Respect.
For more information, please visit: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
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