Days of Awarenesssocial impact

PPG Presents Days of Awareness – June 2024

Days of Awareness: June

Partners in Project Green shares Days of Awareness each month to spread awareness and start conversations. These days may have a social, historical, or environmental significance. Below is a small sampling of important days to acknowledge or remember this month.

National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21

June is National Indigenous History Month – a time to celebrate Indigenous cultures, recognize the strength of Indigenous communities, and honor Indigenous heritage in Canada. It is also a time to learn about the histories of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, listen to Indigenous voices and stories, and reflect on Canada’s colonial history and legacy. There are many ways to take part in National Indigenous History Month, including attending Indigenous events, supporting Indigenous owned and operated businesses, learn about Indigenous history and their relationship with the land, and deepening your understanding of and dedication to reconciliation efforts in Canada.

Ways to Get Involved:

Pride Month

During the month of June, we also celebrate and recognize 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, achievements, and activism. It is a time to promote 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility and allyship while acknowledging the ongoing efforts needed to create an equitable and inclusive society for all gender and sexual identities. Pride initiatives will be taking place across the country throughout the entire month of June, with Pride parades and festivities culminating over the weekend of June 28th– 30th. You can celebrate by attending events, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses and organizations within your community, or educating yourself on 2SLGBTQIA+ history, terminology, and allyship.

Ways to Get Involved:

Bike Month

Gear up for the planet this June by celebrating Bike Month! Bike Month is a monthlong celebration of the many social, physical, and environmental benefits of cycling. There will be numerous cycling initiatives across the Greater Toronto Area, including community bike rides, cycling events and webinars, and bike to school/ work challenges. Whether you are new to cycling or an avid cyclist, Bike Month is a great opportunity to explore the joys of biking in your community.

Ways to Get Involved:

World Environment Day – June 5

World Environment Day is the largest international celebration in support of our global environments. This year’s theme is “land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”, which aligns with key pillars from the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). Currently, an estimated 40% of the world’s land is in a state of severe degradation. These conditions threaten our global population and increase the likelihood, frequency, and duration of droughts. On June 5th, join the global call to awareness for the environment and contribute to the cause of land restoration.

Ways to Get Involved:

World Oceans Day – June 7

Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, World Oceans Day is an opportunity to celebrate the magnificence of the world’s oceans, increase awareness of their endangerment, and mobilize collective action to protect them. The theme for World Oceans Day 2024, “Awaken New Depths”, acknowledges the critical conditions of our oceans due to human behaviour and emphasizes the importance of exploring new depths to mitigate the risks they face.

Ways to Get Involved:

World Day Against Child Labour – June 12

Each year on June 12th, we are reminded of the urgent need to address the prevalent issue of child labour around the world. In 2024, an estimated 160 million children are engaged in exploitative child labour, and this number is expected to rise due to escalating global conflicts and the challenges posed by climate change. The World Day Against Child Labour provides an opportunity to promote efforts to eradicate child labour and strive towards a more socially just future for all.

Ways to Get Involved:

National Pollinator Week – June 17 to 23

National Pollinator Week, organized by Pollinator Partnership, is an annual weeklong celebration of the power and importance of pollinators to healthy ecosystems and agriculture. Did you know that one in every three bites of food is dependent on the process of pollination? Sadly, pollinator populations are becoming increasingly endangered due to human activity and the impacts of climate change.  The theme for this year’s National Pollinator Week is “Vision 2040: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and agriculture”, encouraging us to envision the ways in which we can contribute to a sustainable and healthy future for our planet. 

Ways to Get Involved:

If you have any questions about the Days of Awareness feature, please contact Charlotte Hung at charlotte.hung@trca.ca.