Every October, children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies, together with their community partners, raise awareness about the importance of supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign.
This year’s theme, It Takes a Community, highlights how strong community connections and early support can help families before challenges become crises. It also reminds children and youth that they have a right to safety and well-being and that trusted adults and supports in their communities are #HereToHelp.
Wear purple on October 29 to show your support and celebrate the people who make a difference in your community.
Dress Purple Day has its roots in a local purple ribbon campaign launched in the Greater Toronto Area in 1992 to raise awareness about child abuse. Over time, it grew into a provincial campaign. Today, Dress Purple Day emphasizes the shared role communities play in supporting children, youth and families through connection, prevention and early support.
Download our toolkit to find out how you can participate in this year’s Dress Purple Day campaign 2026.
We know that the kinds of challenges that families are facing are wide-ranging, from food and housing insecurity to mental health and addictions to intimate partner violence. We have put together a list of resources and supports that will hopefully serve to show that there are lots of places to turn to when you, or someone you know, is in need of help.
Dress Purple Day is different. Here’s why:
© Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Used Under License. All Rights Reserved.
