Tell us what you would like to know more about in regard to the COVID-19 vaccines and food allergy, read our 2020 year in review and learn about our goals and how you can support them, and don’t miss out, register your 7-15-year-old for the winter session of Allergy Pals/Allies online mentorship program. Plus, find out what to expect when visiting the emergency department during COVID-19 from an informative video and infographic, learn about our 2021 community awards and apply early, and check out our reminders for an allergy-safe year.
Tell us your questions on the COVID-19 vaccines and food allergy
Updated: Register now for our COVID-19 vaccines and food allergy: Get the facts webinar where you can submit your questions upon registration.
As you know, Canada has approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Read the updates from Health Canada and the CSACI regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
We will be hosting an upcoming webinar with experts to address your questions and concerns around the COVID-19 vaccines and the impacts to those with food allergy.
Visit our COVID-19 and food allergy section, for more resources on managing food allergy during this time.
2020 year in review
It has been an action-packed year of advocating on your behalf and providing educational programming virtually. Learn about some of our key accomplishments and how we’ve made an impact with your support. Plus, read about our goals for the next five years and donate today to support them. We can’t do our important work without you!
Helped to lead the efforts to increase access to life-saving medication
Our advocacy initiatives helped to bring additional epinephrine auto-injector suppliers to Canada (ALLERJECT®, Emerade™). Now, Canada is no longer a single-source market and has a minimum of two device options, providing greater access to epinephrine, which can ultimately save lives.
Pivoted with the COVID-19 pandemic and made sure you had the education and support needed
With COVID-19, we pivoted our educational programming to offer more educational opportunities online, as well as creating medically-reviewed content around managing food allergy during this time. Over 1,000 families and individuals participated in our live sessions.
We also adapted our in-person conference to a digital experience called the “Creating a better future education series” where over 2,000 families, individuals, and healthcare providers benefitted from the education content including topics on the future outlook of therapies, the science behind food allergy, diagnosis and treatment, and when to use epinephrine along with youth sessions on managing food allergy, anxiety and bullying, and inspiring confidence.
Made an impact with our newly diagnosed programming
We increased our newly diagnosed programming during the pandemic to offer additional support and education to ensure newly diagnosed families and individuals get the credible information they needed right from getting this life-changing diagnosis. Through this transformational program, they learned how to manage this new medical condition and ways to confidently adapt their lives. Learn how we made an impact on Gerardo’s life when his daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies at age 1.
Amplified the food allergy conversation with government through the National Food Allergy Action Plan
With your help, we reached over 30 Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the country and met with key staff in the finance committee and within the ministry of health. The power of our collective efforts truly makes an impact and gets the attention of important stakeholders in government. We also submitted a 2021 budget request to help #MakeFoodAllergyCount. Ultimately, our goal is to have a fully funded plan that, once executed, will reduce the impact of food allergy and improve the quality of life for impacted Canadians.
Engaged key stakeholders to collaborate with us on increasing access to accurate ingredient information
Food labelling issues and inconsistencies in allergen management practices within the food industry have resulted in severe allergic reactions, limited safe food options, and a lack of confidence in being able to assess the true risk of cross-contamination. This year, we have continued our conversations with many key stakeholders on addressing ingredient labelling gaps.
Learn more about our key accomplishments with our new Impact report and donate today.
Get a closer look at our key milestones, read inspirational stories from parents and others, find out how the funding we receive is allocated across our initiatives, and get details on what we are focusing on over the next five years.
Help us continue making food allergy count! Donate today.
Last call: Sign up for Allergy Pals/Allies winter session, starting next week
The free 8-week online mentorship program begins soon on January 23rd! Register your 7-15-year-old now, so they don’t miss out on an amazing experience connecting with other children living with food allergy.
These online sessions are fun, engaging and have received outstanding feedback from previous participants. Watch the video below to learn about this program, read how it has impacted Ryan’s life, and register your child now to save their spot!
“Our son Ryan is 11, an age where management of his food allergies needed to start to become more of ‘his’ thing. Allergy Pals provided him with a perfect opportunity to gain some independence and participate on his own. During the session, he felt like everyone was helping each other because all the kids completely understood what it’s like living with food allergy – he generally doesn’t have this type of understanding or support from his peers. 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
What to expect at the emergency department (ED)
Visiting the ED can be overwhelming and stressful, especially during the pandemic. Find out what to expect at the ED, including specific information related to COVID-19 in the informative video and infographic from TREKK (Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids). TREKK is a knowledge mobilization network established to address critical knowledge gaps and improve emergency care for children across Canada.
Watch now: Video on what to expect at the ED
2021 Community awards: Applications now open!
Enter to win or nominate others for our awards/grants this year. Learn more about them below and read about last year’s winners. Apply now and please share with others who may be eligible!
Pryde Family Travel Grant
For graduate students, medical students, and healthcare professionals with an interest in food allergy/anaphylaxis. The Pryde Family Travel 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
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.
Reminders for a safe new year
Manage your food allergy with confidence this year! Brush up on your food allergy knowledge with the resources below and share with others so they are allergy aware.
Real allergic reaction stories from youth
In this video, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, the importance of using your epinephrine auto-injector, and hear empowering reaction stories from youth and their lessons learned.
Anaphylaxis 101 video – Understand the basics
Watch this two-minute video and learn about anaphylaxis, including causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Video for youth: Rock your food allergy with Kyle Dine
With this webinar, youth will learn how they can take on more responsibility while confidently managing food allergy. The session contains tips on how to follow key safety guidelines in creative ways that reflect a youth’s own unique self.
AllergyAware.ca free online courses
Learn the basics of food allergy and anaphylaxis, how to prevent reactions from happening, and if they do happen, how to recognize and treat them.
The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens
This book for teens covers everything from food allergy and dating, dining out, and travelling, to emotional aspects such as frustration, anxiety and being confident with food allergy.
For more resources and tools, visit foodallergycanada.ca/resources. For videos, visit foodallergycanada.ca/videos.
Tags: Allergy Pals, community awards, covid-19 vaccine, emergency room visits, latest news, year in review