TORONTO, ON – May 2, 2016 –Food Allergy Canada is unveiling an exciting new campaign that seeks to communicate the reality many Canadians affected with food allergy live with every day, and offering them real hope – today. The “Today I Need” initiative highlights specific, real-life examples of questions and concerns Food Allergy Canada hears about regularly, and provides tools to help those who may be struggling to live well with food allergies. This campaign is being launched to coincide with the start of Food Allergy Awareness Month. Through its online and social media channels, Food Allergy Canada will highlight the resources available to help – from its services for families and caregivers, to cutting edge peer-to-peer programs for teens and young adults, to its award-winning educator training.
“The day-to-day challenges of managing food allergies, or supporting someone at risk of an anaphylactic reaction, whether as a parent, caregiver, or teacher, can feel overwhelming,” said Laurie Harada, Executive Director of Food Allergy Canada. “We want to assure members of the community that there are tools available – from online education resources for the newly diagnosed, to mentorship programs for teens, to training programs for teachers – Food Allergy Canada has what you need, today.”
Food allergy is one of the leading causes of potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and a growing public health concern in Canada, especially among children. Approximately 2.5 million Canadians are affected by food allergy, and one in two Canadians know someone with a food allergy. As there is no way of predicting how severe an allergic reaction may be and no known cure for food allergy, avoidance of allergenic foods is the only means of staying safe. In addition to food, there are allergen risks from medication as well as insect stings, which become especially important during the warmer months.
Among the activities planned for Food Allergy Awareness Month in addition to the roll out of the “Today I Need” campaign, are:
- Tackling Allergies with Thomas Miles of the Toronto Argonauts – May 3rd. This interactive webinar is especially designed for teens to help them navigate their allergies.
- Release of e-learning community course – May 10. This free, medically reviewed, and bilingual interactive course will be an asset for people with potentially life-threatening allergies and those who care for them.
- Launch of the 4th annual Summer of TAG initiative – May 16. Canadian race car driver Alex Tagliani is promoting food allergy awareness and safety again this year with the launch of the The Summer of TAG campaign. Alex and Food Allergy Canada, with the support of Pfizer Canada (Canadian distributor of EpiPen®), hope to reach Canadians from coast to coast through this initiative.
- Sean Delaney Memorial Golf Classic– May 16. This is the 10th anniversary of this very special fundraising event to support people living with food allergies through research and education
- Food Allergy Canada’s annual community conference – May 28. The educational conference is being held in Halifax for the first time.
- Unveiling of the new Food Allergy Canada website en français – end of May.
Even before the official start of Food Allergy Awareness Month, people were engaging in awareness and fundraising activities. The annual Robyn Allen memorial tennis tournament was successfully held on April 30th.
“There are a lot of great activities and events planned,” said Harada. “We are looking forward to a terrific month of education and advocacy.”
About Food Allergy Canada (formerly Anaphylaxis Canada)
Food Allergy Canada is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping Canadians with food allergies and those who care for them. The organization is committed to creating a safer world for people with potentially life-threatening allergies through education, advocacy, and research. The organization’s approach to reducing the risk of allergic reactions in both children and adults is focused on self-management, community engagement, understanding, and respect. For more information, please visit www.foodallergycanada.ca.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting, for Food Allergy Canada
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
Tags: FAAM