- Amyloidosis Awareness Month - March 2026
- World Primary Immunodeficiency Week – April 22 – 29, 2026
- Human Values Day – April 24, 2026
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Awareness Month – May 2026
- Museum Month - May 2026
- Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Week - May 17 to May 23, 2026
- Menstrual Health Day - May 28
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
World Primary Immunodeficiency Week – April 22 – 29, 2026
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIs) are inherited genetic conditions that affect the development and/or function of the immune system. It is estimated that 70–90% of people living with a PI worldwide remain undiagnosed. World PI Week raises awareness of the experiences of individuals affected by PIs, often described as an “invisible disease.”
In 2026, the focus is on the impact of early diagnosis and access to appropriate supports on successful treatment outcomes. By raising awareness of World PI Week, the public can gain a better understanding of PIs, recognize the challenges faced by those living with these conditions, and support efforts to improve early diagnosis in Canada.
For more information, please visit immunitycanada.org/
Human Values Day – April 24, 2026
The Steering Committee and the dedicated community volunteers of Walk for Values propose that we take a moment each year to reflect on the importance of Human Values and formally recognize April 24 as “Human Values Day.” This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Human Values Day and reaffirms our commitment to raising awareness of Canada’s dedication to human values.
Human Values Day encourages citizens to cultivate an environment that promotes, supports, and celebrates “excellence in character” within our schools, businesses, homes, and community organizations, ultimately strengthening families and communities both in Canada and around the globe. Rekindling human values through this Canadian initiative is not only vital for our local context but also a step towards achieving universal peace and security worldwide, fostering harmonious coexistence among varied peoples and cultures.
Since 2015, April 24 has earned recognition as Human Values Day through proclamations by Premiers in several provinces and numerous mayors from various municipalities have also joined this movement. Iconic landmarks across Canada such as the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, the Toronto 3D sign, City Hall in Toronto, the Hamilton Signature Sign, the Mississauga Clock Tower, The Peace Bridge, BC Place in Vancouver, and the High-Level Bridge in Edmonton have all illuminated this significant day.
This year, the Walk for Values Committee will organize walks across Canada and around the world, volunteer at local food banks, partner with the Go Green initiative, and participate in tree planting efforts to combat climate change and enhance our environment. Join us in making a positive impact!
For more information, please visit: humanvaluesday.com and walkforvalues.com
Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Awareness Month – May 2026
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
Museum Month – May 2026
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
Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Week - May 17 to May 23, 2026
Every year, Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Week is celebrated in concurrence with Queen Victoria's birthday. VON Canada has been pioneering care at home for over 125 years. They are a highly trusted non-profit organization that works with clients, employees, volunteers, and partners to provide innovative clinical, personal, and social support to people who want the comfort and peace of mind of living in their own homes and communities. At its core, VON is committed to helping clients in the region stay out of long-term care and maintain their independence for as long as possible in their own homes. Every client has a right to determine what “home” means and how to live.
This year’s VON Week is May 17-23, 2026, and celebrates the achievements of VON, the impact of the sector going forward, and the workforce that makes VON what it is today, as proud contributors to an efficient healthcare system.
For more information, please visit von.ca/en
Menstrual Health Day – May 28
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