Sign up for our upcoming live events, including how to use epinephrine auto-injectors for treating anaphylaxis with Dr. Julia Upton, and understanding oral allergy syndrome/pollen food allergy syndrome with Dr. Anne Ellis. Tell us what you think about our newsletter for a chance to win a special Food Allergy Canada prize pack, including our exclusive Shine A Teal Light glow-in-the-dark bracelets.
Register your 7-15-year-old for the spring session of the Allergy Pals/Allies free online peer mentorship program. Get answers to your COVID-19 vaccine questions from experts by watching our webinar recording. Learn about our community awards and apply before they close. Plus, check out our tips and resources to prepare for a safe spring break!
Register for our upcoming live events!
Mark your calendar for our live events in March and April. Check out the events happening below and register now.
March 24 Facebook Live session: How to use epinephrine auto-injectors for treating anaphylaxis with Dr. Julia Upton
Join us on Facebook on Wednesday, March 24th from 12pm-1pm EDT for a review of the different epinephrine auto-injectors in Canada, including EpiPen®, ALLERJECT® and Emerade™, and how these devices are used to treat anaphylaxis. Our guest speaker is Dr. Julia Upton and you’ll be able to ask your questions on anaphylaxis live.
Note: If you have a training device, have it handy for this session so you can follow along. If you don’t have one, no problem, a training device is not required for this session.
April 29 Webinar: Understanding oral allergy syndrome / pollen food allergy syndrome with Dr. Anne Ellis
Attend our webinar on Thursday, April 29 from 12pm-1pm EDT with Dr. Anne Ellis to learn more about oral allergy syndrome (OAS)/pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). You’ll hear about the basics of OAS, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, reactions and their severity, and how to manage it.
Help us improve our monthly newsletter and be entered into a draw to win a prize!
Take our short survey and let us know your thoughts on our monthly newsletter, like this one you’re reading! Our newsletters are meant to educate, inform and share the latest allergy-related information so you can make knowledgeable choices, participate in events, and have a platform of support.
Take the survey and win a special Food Allergy Canada prize pack
As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a draw to win one special prize pack. The prize will include the following (one of each):
- #ShineATealLight glow-in-the-dark bracelet
- Think FAST poster
- Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with food allergies
- Food allergy hero button
- Food Allergy Canada sunglasses
- Food Allergy Canada phone holder
If you already completed the survey last month and would like to be entered, please email us at info@foodallergycanada.ca. The winner will be randomly selected and announced in May during Food Allergy Awareness Month.
Take the 5-minute survey now. Your feedback will help us learn what is important to you and how we can better serve you.
Registration now open: Allergy Pals/Allies Spring session
Calling kids ages 7-15! Join us for the Spring session of our Allergy Pals/Allies online peer mentorship program. This free 8-week program will run from April 24 to June 12, 2021.
By participating in the program, kids will:
- Build a support network by connecting with other children who have food allergy
- Learn strategies for managing their food allergy
- Feel more confident managing their food allergy
Read about the impact the program has on Ryan’s life in our Impact report.
Ryan feels more empowered to speak up about his food allergies and he has the confidence to manage them on his own, all because of the program. It had such a positive impact on his life.
Melissa J., parent of child with multiple food allergies
Get more details on this program, including an overview of how the program works and the benefits to youth in this video! Be sure to register your child today, so they don’t miss out on an amazing experience connecting with other children living with food allergy.
COVID-19 vaccines and food allergy: Get the facts – Watch the webinar
Last month we hosted an informative webinar on the COVID-19 vaccines and the impacts to those with food allergy. If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, a recording is available here.
With this webinar, you’ll get credible and informative answers to your questions from a distinguished panel of experts: Dr. Megan Bettle from Health Canada, Dr. Zain Chagla, a specialist in infectious diseases, and Dr. Elissa Abrams, allergist and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis section head at the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Topics covered included the process for ensuring the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, the likelihood of having an adverse reaction and what the severity of the reactions may be, what allergists recommend on the suitability of the vaccines for those with food allergy, a review of the ingredients in the vaccines, and more!
Watch the webinar now and please share with others, so they can also benefit from the session.
For more resources on managing food allergy during the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 and food allergy section.
2021 Community awards: Apply or nominate someone today!
The deadlines to enter or nominate others for our 2021 awards/grants are quickly approaching. Learn more about them below and check out last year’s inspiring winners. Apply soon and please share with others who may qualify. Winners will be announced during Food Allergy Awareness Month in May! #FoodAllergyChampions
Pryde Family Grant – deadline is this month!
For graduate students, medical students, and healthcare professionals with an interest in food allergy/anaphylaxis. The Pryde Family Grant offers two grants valued at $500 each to help cover the costs of attending an academic program or event related to food allergy. Read about last year’s winners, Dr. Anna Whalen-Browne and Rachel Simpson.
Robyn Allen Leadership Award – deadline is this month!
For a healthcare professional, industry representative, government representative, or an individual who has exemplified extraordinary leadership and dedication in the advancement of food allergy awareness and education. Read about last year’s winner, Marie-Josée Bettez.
Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award
For students entering their first year or continuing their studies at a post-secondary institution. Students can apply for a chance to receive one of two awards valued at $1,000 each. Applicants do not need to have food allergies to be eligible for the award. Read about last year’s winners, Akash Kothari and Aliya Guttman.
Prepare for a safe spring break!
Even though we’re still in a pandemic and spring break activities include social restrictions, there are still many ways to have fun and connect with others! Be sure to take the time to plan ahead, check out our resources and tips for staying safe with food allergy.
- Day trips: If you’re taking a road trip in your region, prepare for a day on the road with these stress-free travel tips.
- Day camp: Check out our helpful reminders and tips for attending camp and childcare centres, if these services are open/available during the pandemic.
- Social-bubble activities: Download our general holiday tip sheet for navigating play dates, parties, and other activities.
- Allergy-friendly recipes: Discover and recreate our recipes, they also make for a great home activity. Plus, check out our video series with food blogger Amanda Orlando to learn tips for reducing cross-contamination in your kitchen and extending the life of your food during the pandemic.
- Educational videos: Have your child watch our past live events with food allergy educator Kyle Dine and football player Thomas Miles. They’ll brush up on their food allergy management skills while building confidence.
- Allergy Pals/Allies: Register your 7-15-year-old for our online mentorship program. It’s a fun way for kids to connect with other kids while learning tips and tricks for managing food allergy.
- COVID-19 and food allergy: Find resources for staying safe during this time.
Tags: allergy allies, Allergy Pals, community awards, covid-19 vaccine, latest news, spring break, webinars