Explore Our February 2025 Diversity Calendar

We love providing a monthly calendar to track days that may have special meaning for Karis’ team members and people who use services, all in one space: religious and spiritual days of significance, cultural celebrations,

 awareness days and health promotion days. We encourage you to take some time to explore the calendar and learn more about Diversity. Staying aware of these days and scheduling activities around them will help us create an inclusive environment for everybody!

Download the February Diversity Calendar

In February, we celebrate and remember:

• Black History Month: The month of February gives us all the chance to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society. However, it is also a time to reflect on Canada’s painful history and the distinct challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face in their daily lives, such as systemic barriers, racism, and discrimination. The theme for this year’s Black History Month is: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”
• World Hijab Day on February 1: Recognizing the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, a day created to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women (non-Hijabi Muslims & non-Muslims) to experience the hijab for one day.
• World Interfaith Harmony Week – February 2 to 8: An annual event observed during the first week of February, pointing out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace. A way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
• White Cane Week – February 2 to 8: A significant annual event in Canada that aims to raise awareness about the independence and mobility of persons who are blind or visually impaired. This initiative serves as a platform to highlight the importance of the white cane as a symbol of empowerment and a tool for navigation. The week-long campaign not only educates the public about the challenges faced by those with visual impairments but also celebrates their resilience and ability to lead fulfilling lives.
• World Cancer Day on February 4: An international day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
• The Superbowl on Sunday, February 9: The most watched annual sports event (last year, over 123.7 million people around the world watched it). Some people watch the game, while for others, the ads or the halftime show are the big attractions.
• Thaipusam on February 11: A Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community in India and by the Tamil diaspora worldwide. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance.
• Valentine’s Day on February 14: Across Canada and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
• National Flag of Canada Day on February 15: At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. Our national flag is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects the common values we take pride in — equality, freedom, and inclusion.
• Family Day on February 19: There are no established traditions surrounding Family Day. But, as the name implies, many Canadians take advantage of the three-day weekend in February to spend extra time with loved ones. Road trips, winter sports outings, and extended family gatherings are all popular ways to observe the holiday. Celebrants find ways to overcome the cold and have a warm and cozy Family Day!
• World Social Justice Day on February 20: An international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections.
• International Mother Language Day on February 21: A worldwide annual observance to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
• Anti-Bullying Day (Pink Shirt Day) on February 28: Celebrated every February across Canada to raise awareness about the negative impacts of bullying and to promote anti‐bullying initiatives, particularly in schools. Encourage everyone to practice kindness by wearing pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying.
• Ramadan begins on February 28: In Islam, Ramadan is the holy month where Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is a period that aims to cleanse one’s body and soul from impurities and re-focus oneself to the worship of God. An opportunity for devotion, prayer, reflection, charity-giving, self-accountability, and celebration of the mercy and love of Allah.