Register now for our 2020 National Conference: Creating a better future and take advantage of the early bird rates until the end of this month. Help #MakeFoodAllergyCount by completing the federal government’s online survey. Learn about our community awards and apply early. Plus, check out our tips for an allergy-safe Valentine’s Day.
Register today: Early bird registration closes soon for our 2020 National Conference
Join us on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, ON and learn the latest on food allergy from leading allergists, top researchers, and other food allergy stakeholders.
This full-day conference is centered around a variety of topics on how to create a better #FoodAllergyFuture. You’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from interesting and dynamic speakers who are thought leaders in food allergy, and you’ll be able to ask questions. Plus, in between the sessions, you’ll have time to visit the exhibitors and connect with other conference attendees.
Check out the new features this year:
- Live-streaming alternative if you are unable to travel to the conference – you’ll get exclusive access to watch the presentations and ask questions in real time!
- The #FoodAllergyFuture Challenge for youth that has a grand prize value of $3,250.
- Two interactive and empowering youth sessions – one for ages 7-11 and one for ages 12-17.
Register by February 29, 2020 to take advantage of the early bird rates.
Visit foodallergycanada.ca/2020conference for everything you need to know about the conference including information on the speakers, agendas, venue and accommodations, and the #FoodAllergyFuture Challenge.
Help to #MakeFoodAllergyCount with the federal government
You have an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas with the Ministry of Finance on where the government should prioritize its spending for 2020. They have released a pre-budget consultation survey that is open to the public until February 17, 2020.
If you feel strongly that food allergy should be a federal priority, we encourage you to complete this survey to highlight this need. Your collective voices will help to bring food allergy to the discussion and will enable us to advocate more strongly on your behalf.
Here’s how you can help to elevate food allergy as a federal priority:
- Complete the government’s short online survey by February 17, 2020: https://financecanada.typeform.com/to/qmwsyy
- Under the “health and safety of Canadians” theme, you can identify food allergy as one of the serious challenges facing Canadians (under the “other” category space) by reinforcing some of the messages we’ve heard from you, such as challenges with:
- accessing accurate ingredient information
- affordable and consistent access to epinephrine auto-injectors
- accessing an allergist or getting a proper diagnosis of food allergy
- the public understanding of the seriousness of food allergy and how to prevent and treat reactions
- In the survey, you can also recommend the government supports the National Food Allergy Action Plan as a way to prioritize food allergy as a serious medical condition that needs investment.
- At the end of the survey there is an opportunity to add additional comments. You can share your personal food allergy story, and what meaningful government action to support food allergy would mean to your family. Your personal stories are powerful and can make a big impact.
Thank you in advance for helping to #MakeFoodAllergyCount! It’s important for the federal government to hear directly from Canadians impacted by food allergy. If you have completed the survey, let us know at info@foodallergycanada.ca that you have advocated to make food allergy a federal priority.
2020 community awards: Applications are now open!
Enter to win or nominate others for our awards/grants this year. Learn more about them below and please share with others who may be eligible.
Pryde Family Travel Grant
For graduate students, medical students, and healthcare professionals with an interest in food allergy/anaphylaxis. The Pryde Family Travel Grant offers two grants valued at $500 each to help cover the costs of attending an academic program or event related to food allergy. Learn more and apply by March 23, 2020.
Robyn Allen Leadership Award
For a healthcare professional, industry representative, government representative, or an individual who has exemplified extraordinary leadership and dedication in the advancement of food allergy awareness and education. Learn more and apply by March 23, 2020.
Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award
For students entering their first year or continuing their studies at a post-secondary institution. Students can apply for a chance to receive one of two awards valued at $1,000 each. Applicants do not need to have food allergies to be eligible for the award. Learn more and apply by April 24, 2020.
Valentine’s Day tips
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, review our tips to make sure the day is sweet and allergy-safe for all:
- 5-tips to help make the day a sweet and safer one: for parents, teachers, and others
- Tips for navigating romantic relationships: for teens and adults who are starting a new relationship or in a long-standing one already
- Webinar on managing food allergy during Valentine’s Day: for kids ages 7-11
- General holiday tips: for parents and others who are hosting parties
- Non-food gift ideas: for all!