On October 29th, 2026, organizations across Ontario will come together to recognize Dress Purple Day, a provincial awareness campaign that highlights the important role communities play in supporting children, youth, and families.
Strong families are built through strong community connections, and helping children and families thrive is a shared responsibility. This year’s theme, It Takes a Community and #HereToHelp, celebrates the people, relationships, and services that strengthen families while reminding children and youth that trusted adults and networks of support are always available when they need them.
In Toronto, the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Jewish Family and Child Service, and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto are coming together to recognize Dress Purple Day and raise awareness of the many supports available to children, youth, and caregivers across our city.
Dress Purple Day serves as an opportunity to highlight the programs, services, and community resources that help families stay strong, connected, and supported. By wearing purple on October 29, professionals, organizations, government representatives, and community members can demonstrate their commitment to helping children and families thrive and show that there is a caring community ready to support them.
To mark Dress Purple Day in Toronto, the Catholic Children’s Aid Society (CCAS) will host a community event on October 29th at Sunset Grill, 37 William Kitchen Rd. The event will bring together students and teachers from the Toronto Catholic District School Board and community partners for a morning of activities focused on safety, well-being, and encouraging children and youth to speak up when they need help. In recognition of the campaign, Sunset Grill Kennedy Commons location will also feature a special Purple Pancake Fundraiser from October 29th to November 5th, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) and helping enhance opportunities and supports for children and youth in care served by CCAS. So stop by if you want to support a good cause and have some delicious pancakes!
How You Can Participate
There are many ways to get involved and help spread the message that our communities are #HereToHelp:
- Print an “I Dress Purple Because” sign, share why you’re wearing purple, and take a photo.
- Share your photo on social media on October 29th using #IDressPurpleBecause and #DressPurpleDay. Consider highlighting the programs, services, or supports that help children, youth, and families thrive in your community.
- Wear your Dress Purple Day shirt or purple clothing on October 29th to show your support for children, youth, and families.
- Start conversations and share resources that connect families with trusted adults, services, and community supports. Together, we can help ensure families know they are not alone.
Access Campaign Resources
To help you participate, visit OACAS.org/DressPurpleDay to access a variety of campaign materials, including:
- Social media graphics
- Posters
- Video call backgrounds
- Campaign messaging
- Additional promotional resources
By working together, we can raise awareness of the supports available within our communities and reinforce an important message to children, youth, and families: it takes a community, and we are all #HereToHelp.