Days of Awareness: April
Partners in Project Green shares Days of Awareness each month to spread awareness and start conversations. These days may have a social, historical, or sustainable significance worthy of our attention. These are just a small sampling of important days to acknowledge or remember. If we missed any days of importance that should be included, please share them with us.
World Health Day – April 7
World Health Day is observed annually on April 7th to raise awareness about global health issues and encourage people to act towards improving health and well-being worldwide. It is organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the main goal is to highlight a specific health theme or issue that requires urgent attention, education, and action. In 2025, the WHO has announced the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, focusing on improving maternal and newborn health and survival.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Attend Canada International Health Tourism Expo: April 9–10, 2025, at the Mississauga Convention Centre. The Expo offers access to top-rated health specialists and world-class healthcare centres that provide advanced treatment packages at affordable prices.
Passover – April 12 – 20
Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is an important Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the story of Exodus in the Bible. In 2025, Passover will begin at sunset on the evening of Saturday, April 12, and will end at nightfall on Monday, April 20th. The first two nights are typically when the Seder meals are held, marking the beginning of the holiday. During these days, all leaven, whether in bread or other mixture, is prohibited, and Matzah is the staple unleavened bread eaten as it symbolizes the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt, where they didn’t have time for the bread to rise.
Learn more about how the Passover is celebrated:
Sikh Heritage Month – April
April is designated as Sikh Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Sikh Canadians, including the celebration of Vaisakhi, which marks the birth of Khalsa in 1699. It serves as an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn about Sikh values, such as equality, service to humanity, and spirituality. Celebrations include cultural events, educational programs, exhibitions, and performances that showcase Sikh music, dance, history, and traditions.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Learn more about Sikh Heritage Month: sikhheritagemonth.org
- Attend Sikh Heritage Month Opening Event: Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 1 – 5 PM, at Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)
Easter Sunday – April 22
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion on Good Friday (April 18th). Easter is the foundation of the Christian faith. Christians believe that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, humanity was offered salvation and the hope of eternal life. The resurrection is seen as proof of Christ’s divinity and the victory of life over death, good over evil, and hope over despair. Easter Sunday traditions include church services, Easter vigil, Easter eggs, and feasts and family gatherings.
International Mother Earth Day (Earth Day) – April 22
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness and promote action for environmental protection and sustainability. Earth Day is an essential reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. By coming together to raise awareness, take action, and advocate for change, Earth Day provides an opportunity for people worldwide to contribute to the fight against environmental degradation and work toward a more sustainable and healthier planet
Ways to Get Involved:
- Checkout Earth Day events and activities: https://earthday.ca/events/
- Participate in local clean-up events hosted by environmental organizations, municipalities or schools
- April 22 Swim Drink Fish and Toronto Lakefront Community: Shoreline Cleanup and #Springdunk
- April 26th TRCA: Let’s Clean Up The Meadoway!
- Volunteer with environmental groups and non-profits for opportunities in tree plantings, wildlife conservation or promoting sustainable practices. Check out Nature Unlimited or EarthDay.org to start looking.
If you have any questions about the Days of Awareness feature, please contact Charlotte Hung at charlotte.hung@trca.ca.