Join us on Thursday October 29, 2026
Every October, children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies, together with their community partners, raise awareness about the importance of supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign.
This year’s theme, It Takes a Community, highlights how strong community connections and early support can help families before challenges become crises. It also reminds children and youth that they have a right to safety and well-being and that trusted adults and supports in their communities are #HereToHelp.
We invite you to wear purple on October 29 to show your support and celebrate the people who make a difference in your community!
How the campaign began
Dress Purple Day has its roots in a local purple ribbon campaign launched in the Greater Toronto Area in 1992 to raise awareness about child abuse. Over time, it grew into a provincial campaign. Today, Dress Purple Day emphasizes the shared role communities play in supporting children, youth and families through connection, prevention and early support.
Dress Purple Day is different. Learn more about:
"Why it’s not Child Abuse Prevention Month anymore and a call to join Dress Purple Day".
Campaign Resources & Videos
Campaign Toolkit
The campaign includes the following materials available in English and French:
- Campaign Toolkit (includes key messages and sample posts for social media).
- Poster and social media images
Learn more about the campaign and access the toolkit resources in English and French at oacas.org/dresspurpleday.
Dress Purple Day Prevention Classroom Resources
Find Resources and Supports
We know that the kinds of challenges that families are facing are wide-ranging, from food and housing insecurity to mental health and addictions to intimate partner violence. We have put together a list of resources and supports that will hopefully serve to show that there are lots of places to turn to when you, or someone you know, is in need of help.