Every October, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Society (OACAS), Children’s Aid Societies, and Indigenous Child and Family Well-being Agencies across the province, raise awareness about the important role individuals and communities play in supporting children, youth, and families facing challenges through the Dress Purple Day campaign.
Dress Purple Day also reminds children and youth that they have rights to safety and well-being in all spaces, including at home, school, and in their community.
This year, Dress Purple Day takes place today, October 16.
York Region CAS is proud to join this campaign to show that children, youth, and families in our care and community are not alone.
Here’s how you can help!
- Wear Purple: Put on purple to show children, youth, and families that their community supports them.
- Donate to the York Region Children’s Fund (YRCF): Click here to donate to YRCF. The funds help provide vital childhood enrichment, educational support, and compassionate aid that improves the quality of life for children and youth in our community who have faced abuse, neglect or other threats to their wellbeing.
- Engage on Social Media: Take photos of yourself or team and share on social media using hashtag #DressPurpleDay and #IDressPurpleBecause.
- Be compassionate: Listen, offer encouragement, or lend a hand when families need it.
- Celebrate children and youth: Recognize their strengths and contributions to help them feel valued.
- Respect identity and diversity. Honour every child’s culture, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
- Become a volunteer: Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer at York Region CAS.
- Advocate for community well-being. Speak up for policies and initiatives that strengthen families.
We thank our staff, volunteers, foster parents, and community partners, who in countless ways, keep families strong and children safe.
For more information about this year’s Dress Purple Day, please visit: https://www.oacas.org/publications-and-campaigns/dresspurpleday/
