Bastion Lighting Calendar

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.

Epilepsy awareness focuses on educating the public to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and improve safety for the 1 in 100 people living with the neurological disorder. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by sudden, excessive electrical discharges in the brain. It is generally diagnosed after two or more, unprovoked seizures. Symptoms vary widely from brief staring spells to convulsions, and while no cure exists, it is often managed with medication, diet, or surgery.

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.

Highlighting the crucial role of emergency communicators, or "the heroes behind the headsets". These professionals are the first point of contact for police, fire, and ambulance, managing, under pressure, over 5,700 calls daily.

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.

A national campaign dedicated to breaking the stigma around reproductive health, sharing stories, and advocating for equitable access to fertility care for the 1 in 6 Canadian facing infertility. The week aims to educate the public on fertility issues, support those experiencing loss, and urge policy changes for better, more affordable, and accessible fertility treatments across Canada.

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.

GBS/CIDP Awareness focuses on educating the public about Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). These are rare, potentially paralyzing, and catastrophic, autoimmune disorders of the peripheral nerves. Awareness efforts aim to improve early diagnosis, encourage support for patients facing long-term, unpredictable recoveries, and promote research for cures. To campaign aims to educate the public, increase medical knowledge for faster diagnosis, and support patients and families through the GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada.

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

World Thalassemia Day is to raise global awareness about the inherited blood disorder, honor patients, and encourage preventive measures like premarital screening. A genetic blood disorder that causes the body to produce insufficient or abnormal hemoglobin, leading to a low red blood cell count (anemia).

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.

Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday observed to honour and celebrate Queen Victoria (she reigned from 1837-1901) on her birthday. This holiday was declared by the Canadian government in 1845.

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,