Today marks the first day of Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada and although the month may not look like what we originally planned, there is so much we can do together to raise food allergy awareness and education virtually all month long.
During this unprecedented time where the normality of life has been paused as we work together to stay safe and healthy, we need your support more than ever. Without your help, key educational programs, advocacy efforts, and our ability to provide life-changing support will be impacted in the coming years. Help us ensure we can continue the critical work we do on your behalf. Consider donating today – and learn more about the impact to our programs and advocacy in the section below.
Many people have been taking advantage of our increased online programming – from sessions for kids, to attending the Creating a better future webinar series. We’re excited to share that we have added new webinars so you can learn from leading allergists and researchers. Youth can also get inspired with our virtual plenary session with CFL athlete Thomas Miles, and become more empowered with managing their food allergy with Kyle Dine. Discover all the exciting events below!
Find out how you can participate virtually in Food Allergy Awareness Month. Get involved and help create awareness. Visit foodallergycanada.ca/FAAM for more details, plus, scroll down for a few ideas.
Become a #FoodAllergyChampion
Ensure our programs and advocacy continue well into the future to support you and others while driving critical change with government and others.
We are powered by your support and without it, we cannot accomplish nearly as much!
Give today, or on Tuesday and support us during #GivingTuesdayNow – a global day of unity to help charities like ours during this time.
#FactsandHacks campaign
Exclusively for Food Allergy Awareness Month, discover our #FactsandHacks campaign where a fact from research is highlighted alongside a food allergy hack you can do to manage your food allergy.
It’s a fun campaign with the goal of increasing awareness while educating at the same time. It’s super easy to share the #FactsandHacks virtually – help us launch the campaign and share with everyone!
Creating a better future webinar series
Our conference has been cancelled, but the learning and inspiration has not! Participate in the many sessions that have been adapted to virtual experiences – for you and your kids. See the full list of webinars.
May 8: Food allergies don’t define me with CFL player Thomas MilesAn inspirational talk for youth and their families.
May 13: Rock your food allergy with Kyle DineFor youth aged 7+, focused on confidence-boosting strategies.
May 14: The science behind food allergy with Dr. Elissa AbramsLearn how you become sensitized to allergens, what happens to your body during an allergic reaction, and how food allergy can be prevented. Learn more about the complexities of food allergy and the possible reasons of why there are so many more allergies today than 20 years ago.
May 27: The madness behind the numbers – accurate diagnosis, is it possible? with Dr. Edmond Chan Discover how food allergy is diagnosed, how to interpret the results, and the role of an oral food challenge.
This webinar will give you a better understanding of the current diagnostic tools.
Youth will learneffective and healthy strategies on how to manage food allergy. Topics include bullying, and how to recover emotionally from an allergic reaction.
June 17: The truth behind immunotherapy, is it right for you? with Dr. Julia Upton Learn about the different methods of immunotherapy in terms of efficacy, safety, and practicality. This webinar will give you a better understanding on how the therapies work and what you should consider if you are thinking about these therapies.
June 24: Understanding when to use epinephrine with Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan In this interview style session, you’ll understand the role of epinephrine and the importance of using it during anaphylaxis. You’ll learn the research behind why epinephrine is underutilized and what can be done. Plus, you’ll be able to ask questions during the session.
SponsorsThank you to our sponsors for their immense support in helping us deliver these sessions: ALLERJECT®, The Walter & Maria Schroeder Foundation, EpiPen®, the Sean Delaney Memorial Golf Classic, and Daiya Foods.
Drive awareness – cool ideas you can do virtually
Paint it teal!Paint one fingernail teal to start the conversation about food allergy.
Share it with us and tag it using #allergyaware. This is a great and simple way to create awareness virtually! Get your whole family involved.
Lighting it up in teal! Take a photo of the many monuments across Canada that will be lit up in teal to support Food Allergy Awareness Month and share it with us on social.
Share fun “do’s and don’t’s” videos to educate others. These under a minute videos speak to simple ways of keeping safe.
Share resourcesShare our one pager on food allergy facts. Educate others by sharing these critical facts on the impact of food allergy.
Virtual events for Food Allergy Awareness Month
There are many events you can attend virtually during Food Allergy Awareness Month. Be sure to take part in the sessions below! Check out the full list.
May 7th
Webinar: Your questions answered on introducing allergens to babies during COVID-19.
Canadian paediatric allergists Dr. Elissa Abrams and Dr. Edmond Chan will answer your top questions on introducing food allergens during this pandemic.
Throughout the month
Basics of food allergy and anaphylaxis webinarsParents of children recently diagnosed with food allergy, as well as adults who are newly diagnosed, can learn how to confidently manage this medical condition on a daily basis. Plus, learn the signs and symptoms of a reaction and how to treat one if it happens.
We’ve increased capacity and number of sessions during this time so more people can benefit from these impactful sessions.
Creating a better future webinar seriesEven though our conference has been cancelled due to the pandemic, you can still learn from our amazing speakers.
Check out the many national conference sessions we’ve adapted to be virtual.