Bastion Lighting Calendar

Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada has been observed since February 22, 2021, when it was declared by the Canadian government as part of their commitment to fighting human trafficking. Every year, February 22 is a day to encourage Canadians to “raise awareness of the magnitude of modern day slavery in Canada and abroad and to take steps to combat human trafficking.” In Canada, the most common form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation involves a person profiting from the use of another person’s body in a sexual manner to benefit financially or otherwise. Sexual exploitation makes up 50% of human trafficking worldwide and over 70% of the human trafficking in Canada.

The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives.

Each year in February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities.

March is Autoimmune Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing understanding, funding research, and supporting the over 50 million Americans—roughly 80% of whom are women—living with more than 100 different chronic autoimmune diseases. This observance highlights the need for better diagnostics, treatments, and awareness of conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

It's an opportunity to meet someone working in agriculture and learn how food is grown sustainably in our province. Organized by BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, it features resources like "Spuds in Tubs" and guest speakers. The initiative aims to build a deeper understanding of the agricultural industry among students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

World Lymphedema Awareness Day (WLD) 2026 takes place on March 6, 2026, marking the 11th annual, global initiative to educate the public, improve care, and reduce stigma surrounding lymphatic diseases. As part of Lymphedema Awareness Month, this day features worldwide events—including webinars, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives

A day dedicated to raising awareness and amplifying the voices of millions who continue to suffer from the prolonged effects of COVID-19. For many, the acute phase of infection has passed, but the lingering symptoms persist, often in ways that disrupt daily life, work, and relationships.

An annual observance on the same date each year, commemorating the death of Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick. Celebrations involve wearing green, shamrocks, parades, Irish music, and good, with festivities occurring worldwide,, particularly in places with large Irish populations.

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed in Canada and globally on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with the theme "Together Against Loneliness". The day focuses on promoting inclusion, combating social isolation, and encouraging the public to wear, bright, mismatched colours. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21), resulting in 47 chromosomes instead of the typical 46. This extra genetic material alters development, causing mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and characteristic physical features. While it is a lifelong condition, individuals can live healthy, active lives with support.

Easter is primarily a Christian holiday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, marking his triumph over sin and death and offering hope for salvation, preceded by Lent and Holy Week, but it also incorporates older pagan traditions symbolizing spring, new life, and fertility, like eggs and bunnies, creating a blend of religious and secular celebrations. Good Friday (mourning the Crucifixion) and Easter Sunday (celebrating the Resurrection).

April 7 is Green Shirt Day, a day to honour all the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash and their families. It is also a day to continue the legacy of Logan Boulet — a Broncos player whose example has inspired thousands of Canadians to both register as organ and tissue donors. On April 6, 2018, 16 people were killed and 13 were injured when a northbound coach bus (most of the deceased and injured were players from the Humboldt Broncos Junior Ice Hockey team) which struck a westbound semi-trailer truck that had failed to stop at a stop sign.

Remembering the bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a pivotal moment in Canadian history. The battle, which took place from April 9 to 12, 1917, marked Canada's first major military victory during World War I

World Parkinson's Day, observed annually on April 11th (Dr. James Parkinson's birthday), aims to raise global awareness, reduce stigma, and accelerate research for the world's fastest-growing neurological disease. It brings together the Parkinson's community to advocate for better care and a cure for over 10 million people. Raising awareness, supporting patients/caregivers, and advocating for research for better treatments.

April is International Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Awareness Month, with April 19th recognized globally as CDH Awareness Day to highlight a, often unknown, birth defect affecting 1 in 2,500 babies. Organizations like CDH International promote research and support for families.

May is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Month, with dedicated focus often on May 1st and May 12th to educate the public on environmental sensitivities. MCS is a chronic, often disabling physical condition causing severe reactions to low levels of chemicals like fragrances, pesticides, and solvents. It is recognized as a disability, affecting over 1.1 million Canadians.

Dutch Heritage Day is observed in Canada annually on May 5 to honor the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian forces in 1945 and to celebrate the contributions of over one million Canadians of Dutch descent. Proclaimed in 2019, it coincides with the Dutch Liberation Day, often featuring celebrations of cultural bonds and the lighting of landmarks in orange

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage, commonly affecting joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. It's characterized by unpredictable flares and remissions, with symptoms varying widely but often including fatigue, joint pain, fever, and a butterfly-shaped facial rash. While there's no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms and reducing flare-ups.

An international day dedicated to raising awareness about fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and related conditions, focusing on education, reducing stigma, and advocating for research and support through activities, purple ribbons and community events.

Celiac disease is a serious, hereditary autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers the immune system to attack and damage the lining of the small intestine. This damage hinders nutrient absorption, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

A worldwide event to raise awareness for porphyria, encouraging everyone to wear purple. Porphyria is a rare hereditary disease in which the blood pigment hemoglobin is abnormally metabolized.