Dress Purple Day – October 27, 2021

Every October, Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign. The campaign is more important than ever, since the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional stressors for families, and in some cases has increased risk for the well-being and safety of children and youth.

This year, Dress Purple Day will take place on Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

We all have a role to play in keeping children and youth safe and ask you to speak up for every child and youth’s right to safety and well-being in all areas of their lives.  Not just physical safety and well-being – children and youth have the right to have their unique identity, which includes culture, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity, protected, and supported.  If you have a concern for the safety or well-being of a child or youth or know a family in need of support, please call the CAS at 1-888-CAS-KIDS.

Please join our campaign and…

  • Dress Purple on Tuesday, October 27 to show children, youth, and families that you are HERE TO HELP!
  • Post a picture on social media wearing purple on October 27 and use the hashtag #IDressPurpleBecause or #DressPurpleDay2021
  • Create a video explaining why you will wear purple and how you help children, youth and families facing challenges – and share your video on social media using the hashtag #IDressPurpleBecause or #DressPurpleDay2021
  • School and childcare staff can educate students about their right to safety and well-being and networks of support using Dress Purple Classroom resources (see link below)

For resources and to learn more about how you can support the campaign on October 27 visit www.oacas.org/dresspurpleday/ or contact Shari.Gardener@cashn.on.ca for more information.

Kin Awareness Week, September 20-24

Children’s Aid Societies raise awareness about the importance of kin families during Kin Awareness Week, September 20-24
During Kin Awareness Week, The CAS-HN celebrates the families who care for and support children and youth while their caregivers address the challenges they are facing. Kin support often means providing a safe and nurturing home, but it also includes informal supports like child-care and transportation. Kin providers can be family members, but most people don’t realize they can also be people who simply have an emotional connection to the child or youth (sometimes called kith). Learn more about how kin families keep kids connected here or call the Society for more information at 1-888-227-5437.