Bastion Lighting Calendar

Brain cancer is a, often rapid, growth of abnormal cells in the brain that form a malignant tumor, invading healthy tissue and increasing pressure within the skull. It can be primary (starting in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from elsewhere, like the lungs or breasts). Symptoms include sudden headaches, seizures, vision changes, and personality shifts. Brain Cancer Awareness highlights the impact of brain tumours, fund research for cures, and support to patients.

Food allergy is one of the leading causes of potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and a public health concern in Canada, especially among children. Over 3 million Canadians are affected by food allergy, that’s 7.5% of the population. The impact of food allergy is far greater, with an estimated 50% of households being either directly or indirectly affected by food allergy. That means 1-in-2 Canadian households are impacted by food allergy. As there is no way of predicting how severe an allergic reaction may be and no known cure for food allergy, avoiding the allergenic food is required to prevent a reaction.

To educate the public about schizophrenia and psychosis, which involve symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. To fight stigma, promote understanding, and support those affected by these, and similar, severe mental health conditions. Highlighting that recovery is possible with early treatment,

This annual awareness day to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management . Why May 28? Because 28 represents the average length of a menstrual cycle. 5 (May is the 5th month) represents the average number of period days.

BC Wild Salmon Day is celebrated annually to recognize the vital cultural, ecological, and economic role of wild salmon in British Columbia. First proclaimed in 2019, this day focuses on raising awareness of the threats facing salmon such as habitat loss and encouraging stewardship to support their recovery, often marked by community events and lighting up landmarks.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), marked annually on June 15, is an official United Nations observance dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Initiated in 2006, it promotes dignity, rights, and community action to protect seniors, recognizing that elder abuse is a critical global public health and human rights issue.

Kidney cancer is a disease where kidney cells mutate, growing uncontrollably to form a tumor, most commonly starting in the filtering tubules (Renal Cell Carcinoma). It often develops in one kidney but can spread (metastasize) to lungs, bones, or liver. While often asymptomatic early, symptoms can include blood in urine, back/side pain, and weight loss.

A progressive, terminal neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. It causes muscles to waste away, leading to loss of voluntary movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing, with an average survival of 3–5 years.

An annual awareness day dedicated to reducing preventable, serious injuries across Canada. Led by Parachute, a national charity, it highlights that injuries are the leading cause of death for Canadians aged 1 to 44. To educate Canadians on how to prevent injuries at home, at play, and on the road.

Created in 1974 (the first Monday in August) to honour the province's heritage, culture, and pioneers. It's a statutory holiday in BC for families to enjoy the summer with festivals, travel, and community events, recognizing our diverse history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and observed on December 25 with a broader cultural holidays with traditions of gift-giving, feasting, decorating, and family gatherings, blending Christian faith with secular customs.