January |
Alzheimer Awareness Month |
Event Date:
January
Lighting Dates:
January 8-14
Lighting Colour:
Blue
Meaning:
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month across the nation and it is during this time of the year that the Alzheimer Society launches a public awareness campaign. Help us remove the stigma of this disease as a community.
Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. By 2050, nearly 1.7 MILLION Canadians will be living with dementia. Locally, over 5000 people are estimated to be affected, excluding the thousands of family members who provide direct care.
The Alzheimer Society raises general awareness of dementia in the public, identifies warning signs and stresses the importance of early diagnosis while offering support and programs for those living the dementia journey. The Society provides FREE navigation, education, support, and resources to all those affected by all forms of memory loss, and their care partners.
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Crime Stoppers
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Event Date:
January
Lighting Dates:
January 15-21
Lighting Colour:
Red
Meaning:
Crime Stoppers Quinte is a program, separate from the emergency telephone number system or other standard methods of contacting police, that allows a member of the community to provide anonymous information about criminal activity.
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Bell Let's Talk Day |
Event Date:
January 24
Lighting Dates:
January 22-27
Lighting Colour:
Blue
Meaning:
January 25th is Bell Let’s Talk Day. This day is a very important day in our City and across the country. We ask residents of Belleville to take the time to recognize this day and help raise awareness as we try to remove the stigma attached to mental health.
The Bell Let’s Talk flag will be flown at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre on January 25th. The Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will also be lit in blue on January 25th for this cause.
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Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Awareness Day |
Event Date:
January 28
Lighting Dates:
January 28-February 4
Lighting Colour:
Purple
Meaning:
SMAS is a rare digestive condition that affects a small percentage of the population, but can be quite debilitating and even lead to death if untreated.
For this annual Awareness Day, the Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station Memorial Garden will be lit purple to help bring more awareness to the illness and helping others to know the effects it can have on the people who are facing this battle.
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February
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Black History Month |
Event Date:
February
Lighting Date:
N/A
Lighting Colour:
N/A
Meaning:
Black History Month is a time to build greater understanding by community recognition of hard historical truths and of the persistent discrimination and marginalization faced by citizens of Black heritage and by their ancestors so that we may collectively work to dismantle these impediments to equity and fair community.
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2-1-1 Day |
Event Date:
February 11
Lighting Dates:
February 5-11
Lighting Colour:
Red
Meaning:
Communities across Ontario and across Canada will be paying tribute to the importance of 2-1-1 in helping Canadians and celebrating the frontline staff. Citizens of Belleville face various challenges in their lives and 2-1-1 is there to connect them to the program or service they need.
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Wear Red Canada - Heart Disease |
Event Date:
February 13
Lighting Dates:
February 12-18
Lighting Colour:
Red
Meaning:
Wear Red Canada Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness for all Canadians, but especially Canadian women, to be mindful, curious, and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness.
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World Thinking Day |
Event Date:
February 22
Lighting Dates:
February 19-25
Lighting Colour:
Blue
Meaning:
For over 90 years, it has united Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world for a day of international friendship.
Girls and young women in Belleville and beyond benefit from the opportunity to speak out on issues that affect them, celebrate the founding of Girl Guides, and be connected to the 10 million members in 50 countries who are part of the Guiding movement.
This year, members will be challenged to be peacebuilders in their community as they stand strong, stand up and stand together. In honour of “World Thinking Day” the City of Belleville will light the Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden blue.
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March |
Amyloidosis Awareness Month |
Date:
March
Lighting Dates:
February 26-March 3
Lighting Colour:
Red
Meaning:
Amyloidosis is a group of diseases caused by deposits of abnormal proteins, known as amyloid, in one or more organs of the body. If left untreated it can cause organ failure and even death, but is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
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Endometriosis Awareness Month |
Date:
March
Lighting Dates:
March 11-17
Lighting Colour:
Yellow
Meaning:
Approximately 1 in 10 girls and women, as well as unmeasured numbers of non-binary and transgender individuals, will develop endometriosis. Due to a lack of awareness and education, it takes between 7 to 12 years to get a diagnosis.
The Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will all be lit yellow to help to create more awareness for endometriosis, and hopefully draw unity within the community.
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Violence Awareness & Random Acts of Kindness Program |
Event Dates:
March 4-10
Lighting Date:
N/A
Lighting Colour:
N/A
Meaning:
The lives of many citizens of the City of Belleville have been directly or indirectly impacted by the ravages of violence. Many Canadians fall prey to senseless acts of violence every year and this violence can happen in our homes, schools, and our local communities.
By the time a child graduates from high school, they would have seen an estimated 16,000 televised and social media shootings and overall 300,000 acts of violence. The prevalence of violence in our society makes victims of us all.
Random acts of Kindness must prevail and overcome random acts of violence.
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International Woman's Day |
Date:
March 8
Lighting Dates:
March 4-10
Lighting Colour:
Orange and Purple
Meaning:
It is a day to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as celebrate the power and potential of women and girls.
The purpose of this day is to also help raise awareness, and encourage everyone to collectively take action so that we might one day forge a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive; completely free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
The Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will all be lit orange and purple in honour of women.
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National Poison Prevention Week
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Dates:
March 17-23
Lighting Dates:
March 18-24
Lighting Colour:
Green
Meaning:
It is to draw attention to the causes of poisonings and how to adopt poison prevention strategies.
Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) is a nonprofit telephone health promotion service which operates 24/7 to offer support to those with possible toxic exposure. They work with community partners on an awareness campaign to inform, educate, and promote safer storage of poisons in homes, which will empower families to act safely.
The Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will all be lit green during this time to help spread awareness.
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World Down Syndrome Day
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Date:
March 21
Lighting Date:
N/A
Lighting Colour:
N/A
Meaning:
This day is meant to raise awareness, educate the community, and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down Syndrome in Belleville and around the world.
Down Syndrome International has chosen the theme of “With Us, Not For Us” this year to remind the community that people with Down Syndrome need to be a part of the work being done to help secure them the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
About 1 in every 700 Canadians are born with this genetic disorder, and there is an estimated 45,000 people across Canada with Down Syndrome. To show your support, be sure to rock some mismatched socks on the 21st!
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World Tuberculosis Day
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Date:
March 24
Lighting Date:
N/A
Lighting Colour:
N/A
Meaning:
On this day in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch discovered the bacterium that causes tuberculosis —commonly referred to as TB— which is a deadly bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs. Today, 140 years after Dr. Koch's discovery, TB continues to be one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. In 2020 nearly ten million people became ill with TB while over 1,500,000 people lost their lives to the disease.
TB is a treatable, curable, and preventable disease. The illness and death associated with it are avoidable. The City of Belleville supports organizations and individuals committed to raising awareness about diseases, conditions, and illnesses that affect all Canadians. Through education, fundraising, and support, the health and well-being of our communities can be improved.
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National Epilepsy Awareness Day
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Date:
March 26
Lighting Dates:
March 25-31
Lighting Colour:
Purple
Meaning:
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder with no cure, which is frequently seriously disabling. It profoundly affects the quality of life of over 4,500 individuals and their families in our community and surrounding rural areas.
Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario is a registered charity, providing support services to people with epilepsy and their families, and community education services to reduce the stigma associated with the disorder.
They wish to encourage citizens to make an effort this month to learn more about epilepsy, fight the stigma, and wear a lavender ribbon to show support.
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April |
Parkinson's Awareness Month & World Parkinson's Day |
Dates:
Month of April
Lighting Dates:
April 11-14
Lighting Colour:
Blue
Meaning:
April 11 is World Parkinson’s Day.
The aim of this month and day are to raise awareness for this progressive nervous system disorder and its symptoms, as well as support those with this ailment. It is also to help the general public understand the reality of this disease.
Approximately 110,000 Canadians have this brain disease where the central nervous system degenerates, affecting motor function. Symptoms typically occur slowly and consist of things like trembling, stiffness, limb rigidity, balance difficulties, and delayed muscle action. There is currently no cure and additional research is required to help find one.
The Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will be lit red for Parkinson’s Awareness Month
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Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial |
Dates:
April 1-8
Lighting Dates:
April 1-7
Lighting Colour:
Blue
Meaning:
The Royal Canadian Air Force was born 100 years ago to protect and preserve the freedoms of all Canadians, to contribute to global peace and security, and to help those in need in Canada and Abroad.
Together, we honour our rich history formed by those who served before us, those who currently serve, those yet to come, and for the many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Your Air Force!
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World Autism Awareness Day |
Date:
April 2
Lighting Date:
N/A
Lighting Colour:
N/A
Meaning:
Celebrate the Spectrum is our theme for World Autism Day celebrations. It is an opportunity for positive action to provide spaces of support and advocacy for our diverse communities, while learning about autism and how we can all make our communities better for autistic individuals.
Similarly to previous Autism Ontario World Autism Day campaigns, Celebrate the Spectrum unites families, schools, communities, businesses, government, and professionals in recognizing World Autism Day by celebrating people on the autism spectrum and bringing to light the systemic barriers that must be removed to create a more supportive and inclusive Ontario.
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Green Shirt Day & Be a Donor Month |
Date:
April 7
Lighting Dates:
April 8-10
Lighting Colour:
Green
Meaning:
April is Be a Donor Month with Green Shirt Day taking place on April 7. This came to be due to the Humboldt Broncos hockey team being in a terrible bus crash on April 8, 2018 and sixteen young victims losing their lives.
The day after the crash 21-year-old Logan Boulet succumbed to his injuries but, having registered as an organ donor, he gave 6 people the gift of life. This inspired thousands of people around the world to also register as donors, including 100,000 Canadians. Logan’s parents created Green Shirt Day the following year to ensure their son’s legacy lived on.
The Transplant Advocate Association have asked the Belleville community to not only wear green on April 7, but to also light the city green to help inform the public of the need for organ and tissue donation.
The Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre will be having a flag raising ceremony at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4. Plus the Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will also be lit green April 1-7
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Global Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day
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Date:
April 19
Lighting Dates:
April 15-21
Lighting Colours:
Blue, Pink, Yellow
Meaning:
One in every 2,500 pregnancies are diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia occurs when a baby’s diaphragm fails to fully form; allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth.
Since 2000, it is estimated that over 700,000 babies have been born with CDH; however, only 50 percent of those babies survived; and WHEREAS: CDH is as common as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis; however, very few people know about it or are aware of it.
There are many people living in Canada who have been diagnosed with and have survived their CDH, although many families in Canada have endured the horrible pain and grief associated with the loss of loved ones with CDH. CDH International is a registered in Canada, that was created to help families affected by CDH.
Those with CDH often endure multiple surgeries and possible medical complications beyond their diagnosis that include heart defects, pulmonary complications, gastric and intestinal problems, developmental delays, and may require respiratory and medicinal support for years.
Raising awareness of this congenital defect will help bring about acceptance and support for those suffering with it and will help advocate for urgently needed medical research and advances.
NOW, Therefore, I, Mayor Neil Ellis of Belleville do hereby proclaim April 19th, 2024, to be Global Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day In Belleville and encourage all the citizens of Belleville to take cognizance of this event and to participate fittingly in this observance.
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National Volunteer Week
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Dates:
April 21-27
Lighting Dates:
n/a
Lighting Colour:
n/a
Meaning:
Across Canada, 24 million people give their time through formal or informal types of volunteering, contributing close to 5 billion volunteer hours per year.
Volunteers help organizations, charities, and events across Belleville keep running every day and every year. it can be devoting time towards helping at a food bank to utilizing a talent for beautifying greenspaces to putting energy towards fundraising on behalf of a charitable cause.
Volunteering can reinforce our ability to grow, thrive, and create change within our community, province, and country. so this week we celebrate our collective impact towards building a better Belleville through kindness, generosity, and commitment.
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National Health and Safety Day of Mourning
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Date:
April 28
Lighting Dates:
n/a
Lighting Colour:
n/a
Meaning:
In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress established this day to remember and honour those who have died, been injured, or suffered illness in the workplace.
Also known as Workers’ Memorial Day, the Day of Mourning, is officially recognized in about 100 countries worldwide.
The day is traditionally marked in many ways including holding public ceremonies, wearing black and yellow ribbons, lighting candles, observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and sharing stories about how workplace tragedies have touched peoples' lives.
Belleville City Hall staff will be having a moment of silence on this day as well.
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May |
Community Living Month |
Date:
Month of May
Lighting Dates:
April 29 - May 5
Lighting Colour:
Blue and Green
Meaning:
WHEREAS: Community Living Belleville and Area has provided supports and services to adults, youth and children with intellectual disabilities and their families in the City of Belleville and Area since 1951; and, WHEREAS: Community Living Belleville and Area exists to provide quality supports to people with intellectual disabilities; and to facilitate their full inclusion in community life; and also to educate the larger community; and advocate wherever necessary; and, WHEREAS: Community Living Belleville and Area works with the City of Belleville, volunteers and other groups and organizations to build a community of inclusion, equality and respect that celebrates the contributions of all citizens; and, WHEREAS: Community Living Belleville and Area is an Affiliate Member of Community Living Ontario; and, WHEREAS: Community Living Month is a province-wide initiative created to celebrate the philosophy and values of community living; and, WHEREAS: Community Living Month will launch on May 1 with a banner unveiling under the lower bridge; and, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Neil Ellis, on behalf of the City of Belleville, proclaim May 2024 to be "Community Living Month" in the City of Belleville.
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Huntington Disease Awareness Month |
Date:
Month of May
Lighting Dates:
May 13-19
Lighting Colour:
Purple and Blue
Meaning:
Huntington Disease is a genetic brain disorder with physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. It is often described as having ALS, Parkinson's, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s all at the same time. And, unfortunately, there is no known cure.
Each child of a parent with this disease has a 50% chance of having the gene mutation that leads to the progression of Huntington disease. Juvenile Huntington Disease occurs when it appears in someone under the age of 20.
1 in every 7000 Canadians has the disease and approximately 1 in every 5500 is at risk for developing the disease. Many more are touched by Huntington Disease as a caregiver, family member, or friend.
In support of Light It Up 4 HD campaign, the Belleville Sign, Bridge St Bridge, and Fire Station #1 Memorial Garden will be lit blue and purple.
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National Lupus Awareness Day |
Dates:
May 10
Lighting Dates:
May 6-12
Lighting Colour:
Purple
Meaning:
May 10 is Lupus Awareness Day which focuses on the need for public awareness of lupus, improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and desperately needed treatments for lupus, enhanced physician diagnosis of lupus, & better epidemiological data on lupus.
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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Day |
Dates:
May 12
Lighting Date:
n/a
Lighting Colour:
n/a
Meaning:
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a recognized medical disability, where over 1.1 million people have a diagnosis, of which 419,000 (3.3%) are in Ontario alone (Statistics Canada 2020).
It can develop in individuals of all ages, triggered by either a single significant exposure or repeated low-level exposures to common environmental chemicals. Sensitization leads to reactions to various substances in everyday environments, including scented products, cleaning items, paints, petrochemicals, cigarette smoke, pesticides, and more.
Despite a significant number of highly educated individuals experiencing MCS, sufferers often face challenges like job loss, poverty, inadequate medical and social support, stigmatization, isolation, and even homelessness.
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Menstrual Health Day
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Date:
May 28
Lighting Dates:
May 27-June 2
Lighting Colour:
Red
Meaning:
Initiated by German non-profit WASH United in 2014, Menstrual Health Day (MH Day) is a global day of action with more than 830 partner organizations working together to catalyze awareness and action towards a world without period poverty and stigma. The date of 28 May represents the menstrual cycle
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