Eating Disorders Can’t Afford to Wait: February 1 to 7, 2019

Eating Disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic class, abilities, races, and ethnic backgrounds. That is why, from February 1st to 7th every year, Eating Disorder groups across Canada unite to commemorate Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) with a national week of action focused on educating the public about Eating Disorders.

It is a time to escalate awareness of the impact of Eating Disorders, the dangerous stereotypes and myths, and the supports available for people living with or affected by them.

EDAW is a collective effort, from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Organizations around the country are set to host local events, light notable landmarks in the colour purple, and engage in public education campaigns.

You can engage in conversation across all social media platforms using the hashtags #EDAW2019 in English, or #SemTA2019 in French.  We also invite you to participate in the Show us Your Purple #showusyourpurplecampaign on social media to raise awareness.  Through open and supportive dialogue, we can promote public understanding about these illnesses while also providing hope to those affected in order to break the shame, stigma, and silence that affect those living with an Eating Disorder.  You can learn more about EDAW at www.nedic.ca/EDAW.

Locally, Hopewell staff and volunteers will be fanning out across the city undertaking vital education and advocacy in honour of those who suffer. As importantly, Hopewell will place an emphasis on delivering presentations to local youth on media literacy, positive self-esteem and healthy body image, to try to prevent these deadly illnesses from developing in the first place.

Please take a look at our calendar of events below and we invite you to join us for EDAW 2019!