At Food Allergy Canada, we know that growing up with a food allergy is not always easy. That’s why in 2014 we teamed up with the University of Alberta and TD Securities to launch the AllergyPals and AllergyAllies peer mentorship programs for kids age 7-15. Through the programs, they can connect with mentors to talk about life with food allergies, in a secure online space.
Since this free program started, we have reached maximum capacity for every session, and new sessions are being added to meet demand.
Spring sessions run from April 23rd-June 11th, with registration opening on April 5th. Visit our page for registration information.
Giving Back
Toronto Argonaut Thomas Miles became an AllergyPals mentor this year as a way to give back to the community. Growing up with a peanut allergy, Thomas credits his family and friends with helping him feel confident and comfortable managing his allergy as he grew up. He immediately saw the strengths in the online mentor and peer model as a way to empower kids in a space that’s all theirs.
“A major strength that I’ve seen in the kids is their ability to learn new ideas from one another,” says Thomas. “This helps them they can handle their allergies more effectively, efficiently and positively.”
Support Sessions
The AllergyPals program is designed for kids age 7-11 and AllergyAllies is for kids 12-15. Both include eight weekly, one-hour online support sessions using GoToMeeting. Sessions are led by older peer mentors with food allergies who have completed a training program and sessions are managed under the guidance of a youth program coordinator.
“The best thing about being an Allergy Pals mentor is hearing the kids talk about how the sessions are helping them in their day-to-day activities,” says Thomas.
A BIG thanks goes out to our supporters at TD Bank Securities, to Thomas and all our mentors and to the AllergyPals kids. You are rocking it and we’re so proud of you!
This program was created through the Social Support Research Program at the University of Alberta and is used under license by Food Allergy Canada. The program is funded by a grant from TD Securities.
Tags: AllergyPals