Bastion Lighting Calendar

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is observed globally every September to honor young patients, support families, and fund vital pediatric cancer research. The international symbol of the movement is the gold ribbon, and supporters across North America frequently "go gold" to raise awareness.

Histiocytosis is a rare group of disorders where the body makes too many histiocytes (a type of white blood cell that fights infection). These extra cells build up in organs and tissues like the skin, bones, and lungs, causing damage or tumors. Common types include Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). September is awareness month to educate the public on this rare, life-altering disorders with the hope to improve early diagnosis, funding, and support.

International Literacy Day is an annual event that celebrates literacy and the importance of reading and writing. International Literacy Day was started in 1966 by UNESCO as a way to promote youth literacy and global understanding through reading.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, affecting the brain and body. It is a "hidden disability," meaning most individuals have no outward physical signs. Symptoms vary widely but typically include challenges with learning, memory, emotional regulation, and communication. September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day. Recognized globally on the 9th day of the 9th month, the date symbolizes the importance of an alcohol-free pregnancy for the full nine months.

World Sepsis Day, held annually on September 13th, is a global initiative to raise awareness of sepsis, a life-threatening, often preventable, reaction to infection. Established in 2012 by the Global Sepsis Alliance, it aims to reduce the estimated 11 million annual sepsis deaths through education, improved prevention, and faster treatment

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, dedicated to raising awareness for the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. With 1 in 8 men expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime, the month emphasizes early detection, research funding, and support.

Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by changes to the TCF4 gene. It can cause developmental delays, limited speech, seizures, breathing episodes, digestive issues, anxiety, ADHD, sensory differences, and distinct facial features

On September 19th, the Nanaimo Bastion will be coloured green for Light Up For Mito, alongside dozens of countries worldwide. MitoCanada will be lighting up as many national landmarks as possible in bright green to raise awareness for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month.

Living Donation Week Canada celebrates living donors and transplant recipients while raising awareness about living kidney and liver donation options. The initiative brings together hospitals, researchers, and patients across Canada to provide hope, education, and actionable advice to those waiting for transplants

National Forest Week 2026 takes place from September 20–26, 2026, with the official theme "Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability". It is an annual public awareness event in Canada designed to celebrate the country's rich forest heritage, recognize forests as a valuable and renewable green resource, and highlight the importance of the forestry sector.

To honour Residential School survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home. To remember the nearly 150,000 Indigenous children forced into residential schools starting in 1920 and to promote reconciliation.

International Wrongful Conviction Day is an annual global observance held on October 2nd that shines a spotlight on the causes and severe consequences of convicting innocent people, while promoting necessary legal reforms to fix broken justice systems.

Canadian Thanksgiving is a harvest festival on the second Monday in October, focused on giving thanks for blessings and the season's bountiful harvest, celebrated with family, friends, and a traditional turkey dinner.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skill learning, planning, and coordination. DCD Awareness Week is a global initiative dedicated to increasing understanding of DCD and celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of those living with this often-misunderstood motor skills disorder.

Initiated by Canada's legal aid associations, this annual day raises awareness of the essential role duty counsel play in Canada's justice system, providing legal advice and representation to people who would otherwise face court alone.

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects females. After a period of normal development for the first 6 to 18 months, affected individuals experience a severe regression of skills, including a loss of purposeful hand use, loss of speech, and the onset of repetitive hand movements

A festive event with ancient Celtic roots (Samhain) marking the end of harvest and blurring lines between worlds, evolving with Christian observances (All Hallows' Eve) and modern traditions like trick-or-treating, costumes, pumpkin carving (jack-o'-lanterns), and spooky themes, making it a blend of pagan, religious, and secular fun worldwide.

To educate the public, reduce stigma and support those living with dementia. Highlighting the immense responsibility of caregivers and providing resources for them. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually the ability to perform simple tasks. As the most common cause of dementia (60-80% of cases), it involves abnormal protein buildup in the brain—amyloid plaques and tau tangles—causing nerve cells to die

Eczema (or dermatitis) is a chronic, non-contagious condition causing inflamed, itchy, dry, and red skin patches, often resulting from a damaged skin barrier. It is common in children but affects adults, with flare-ups triggered by environmental factors, allergens, or stress. Treatment typically includes moisturizers, topical medications, and avoiding triggers. Annual Eczema Awareness campaign raises awareness about the burden of eczema and quality of life impact.

A national observance leading up to Remembrance Day (November 11) dedicated to honouring all who served in the Canadian Armed Forces. November 8 specifically recognizes Indigenous Veterans. It's a time for Canadians to reflect on sacrifices past and present by those who served. Wear a poppy to remember.