Requests to the Mayor and Council

WHEREAS, Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide and the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women, a fact unknown to many women and their healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance is an organization of volunteer health professionals and patients working hard to improve women’s heart health; and

WHEREAS, Wear Red Canada Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness for all Canadians, but especially Canadian women, to be mindful, curious, and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness; and

WHEREAS, We want to see better prevention, diagnosis, and care and fewer women dying prematurely from heart disease;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS February 13, 2023 be recognized as National Wear Red Day in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims February 22, 2023 as "World Thinking Day" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS World Thinking Day has united Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world for a day of international friendship over the past 90 years, first celebrated in 1926, and

WHEREAS youth members in the Town of Greater Napanee and beyond benefit from the opportunity to speak out on issues that affect girls and young women, celebrate the founding of Girl Guides and be connected to the 10 million members in 50 countries who are part of the Guiding movement, and

WHEREAS this year, members will be challenged to explore what we can learn from the environment, and how we can work with nature to create a more peaceful and secure future for youth everywhere in the theme of, ‘Our World, Our Peaceful Future,’

THEREFORE the Town of Greater Napanee do hereby proclaim February 22nd, 2023 “World Thinking Day”.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims April 7, 2023 as "Green Shirt Day" and the entire month of April as "Be a Donor Month" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS there is a group in our community, the Transplant Advocate Association (TAA), whose volunteers are dedicated to the support of pre- and post-transplant recipients, donors, and donor families, and to informing the public of the need for organ & tissue donation, and  

WHEREAS despite an increased number of donors, many Canadians still need organ or tissue transplants and some die waiting each year, and Whereas Logan Boulet’s family, the TAA, the Ontario Gift of Life Network, and the Canadian Transplant Association carry on Logan’s legacy by encouraging everyone to wear green on the anniversary of his donation to raise awareness of organ & tissue donation, the need to register consent to be an organ and tissue donor, and the need to share these decisions with family, to improve access to lifesaving and life-enhancing transplants, and

WHEREAS Green Shirt Day is observed to honour and recognize the victims, survivors, and families of that deadly crash, and this community is part of continuing The Logan Boulet Effect, and WHEREAS this community encourages all residents to talk to their families and register their consent to be organ and tissue donors.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS April 7th as “Green Shirt Day” and the entire month of April as “Be a Donor Month” in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims May 10, 2023, as "Lupus Awareness Day" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself causing inflammation, pain, and can damage any organ or tissue from the skin or joints to the heart, kidneys or brain. Currently without a cure, five million people suffer from lupus globally, of which nine out of ten lupus patients are women, usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.

AND WHEREAS Lupus Awareness Day which serves to call attention to the impact that lupus has on people around the world, focuses on the need for heightened public awareness of lupus, improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and desperately needed treatments for lupus, enhanced physician diagnosis of lupus, and better epidemiological data on lupus globally.

AND WHEREAS Lupus affects more than just the person with the disease -- it also impacts their family, friends, and work colleagues. Still, it is widely under-recognized as a global health problem by the public, health professionals, and governments, driving the need for greater awareness. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of lupus is key in helping to slow the debilitating effects of the disease. However, lupus is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms frequently mimic common illnesses. Increasing awareness of lupus will save lives.

AND WHEREAS Lupus Ontario is the largest Canadian provincial organization focused on improving the lives of lupus patients and their families. Lupus Ontario’s mission is to provide vital support, education, awareness, advocacy and research through the fundraising efforts of our staff and volunteer community to help those with lupus live longer, healthier and better lives.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS May 10, 2023, be recognized as Lupus Awareness Day in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims May 12, 2023, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS Fibromyalgia Awareness Day aims to raise awareness and end the stigma and discrimination that accompany this chronic illness;

AND WHEREAS Fibromyalgia Association Canada is the only national organization in Canada that supports only fibromyalgia;

AND WHEREAS Fibromyalgia affects about 5% of Canada’s population - over 2,000,000 men, women and children of all ages and races in Canada are afflicted with this chronic illness;

AND WHEREAS Fibromyalgia often takes an average of three (3) to five (5) years to diagnosis;

AND WHEREAS there is no known cause of, prevention of, or cure of fibromyalgia; and

AND WHEREAS Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex illness whose symptoms vary widely and may include debilitating chronic pain, overwhelming fatigue, and cognitive impairment;

AND WHEREAS patients with Fibromyalgia often have a number of co-existing conditions, which may include chronic myofascial pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), environmental sensitivities, anxiety and depression;

AND WHEREAS Fibromyalgia (FM) greatly reduces quality of life, can cause total disability and also affect families, friends and employers. Living with chronic pain and fatigue on a daily basis can lead to social isolation, so it is important for sufferers and their families, friends, and caregivers to know that they are not alone;

AND WHEREAS people with Fibromyalgia (FM) have a right to be treated with dignity and have a right to pain relief;

AND WHEREAS together we will find ways to enhance the quality of lives for people affected by fibromyalgia and together find a cure.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS May 12, 2023, be recognized as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims May 21-27, 2023 as "VON Week" in Greater Napanee.

Whereas, the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) team of staff and volunteers help people remain in their homes and communities; and

Whereas, in celebration of VON's hardworking team to support those who need assistance and care;

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims May 21st to 27th, 2023, to be VON Week in the Town of Greater Napanee and directs that the Napanee falls be lit in blue during these celebrations.

WHEREAS Deafblindness is a unique disability that incorporates the sensory loss of both sight and hearing;

AND WHEREAS increased public awareness is crucial to ensure individuals who are Deafblind are able to live full, meaningful lives;

AND WHEREAS June is the birth month of Helen Keller, an internationally recognized person who was Deafblind;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS the month of June 2023 be recognized as “National Deafblind Awareness Month” in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims June 2023 as "Stroke and Aphasia Awareness Month" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS a stroke occurs every 9 minutes in Canada resulting in physical, emotional, thinking and communication impairments;

AND WHEREAS aphasia is a language disorder affecting 30% of stroke survivors impacting a person’s ability to use and comprehend language, it does not affect intelligence;

AND WHEREAS VON is a not-for-profit organization providing post-stroke information, social, emotional and communication supports and stroke-specific exercise programs for both stroke survivors and their families to better cope with life changes related to stroke;

AND WHEREAS persons with stroke and/or aphasia benefit from community supports to promote positive outcomes and improved quality of life;

AND WHEREAS the Greater Kingston VON Stroke Services encourages community members to recognize the warning signs of stroke and to immediately call 911;

AND WHEREAS the Greater Kingston VON Stroke Services encourages community members to learn how to become better communication partners for individuals with aphasia.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS the month of June 2023 be recognized as “Stroke and Aphasia Awareness Month” in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims June 2023 as "Seniors Month" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS Seniors’ Month is an annual province-wide celebration;

AND WHEREAS seniors have contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the life and vibrancy of this community;

AND WHEREAS seniors continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and important and active members of this community;

AND WHEREAS their contributions past and present warrant appreciation and recognition and their stories deserve to be told;

AND WHEREAS the health and well-being of seniors is in the interest of all and further adds to the health and well-being of the community;

AND WHEREAS the knowledge and experience seniors pass on to us continues to benefit all;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS the month of June 2023 be recognized as “Seniors Month” in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims June 11-17, 2023, as "National Blood Donor Week" and June 14, 2023, as "World Blood Donor Day" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS over half of Canadians will require blood or blood products for themselves or a family members during their lifetime;

AND WHEREAS in our country, of those eligible to donate, only four per cent do, which is just one in 81 potential donors. This makes these generous donors all the more deserving of our appreciation and recognition, but those numbers also shine a light on the need for more people to join Canada’s Lifeline;

AND WHEREAS every blood donation has the power to save the lives of up to three people;

AND WHEREAS blood donors in Canada are the lifeblood of their communities, and their acts of kindness and generosity should be honoured with a national week of celebration;

AND WHEREAS National Blood Donor Week is celebrated June 11 to 17 and World Blood Donor Day is celebrated Wednesday June 14, 2023, to honor those who give the gift of life;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS June 11-17, 2023, be recognized as National Blood Donor Week, and June 14, 2023, be recognized as World Blood Donor Day in the Town of Greater Napanee. 

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims June 18, 2023, as the "Longest Day of SMILES®" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS Operation Smile Canada is a global medical charity providing free, life changing surgeries and medical care to children born with cleft conditions around the world;

AND WHEREAS every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition, and lack of access to safe, effective surgery means that easily treatable conditions like cleft lip and cleft palate can become fatal;

AND WHEREAS Operation Smile Canada believes every child born with a cleft condition deserves exceptional surgical care;

AND WHEREAS the Longest Day of SMILES® will unite Canadians from coast to coast to coast as they raise awareness and funds;

AND WHEREAS on June 18th, 2023, the citizens of Greater Napanee are encouraged to learn more about how to support this worthy cause by visiting www.longestdayofsmiles.ca;

AND WHEREAS our community can help celebrate the Longest Day of SMILES® by posting #longestdayofsmiles on social media; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS June 18, 2023, be recognized as the Longest Day of SMILES® in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims September 17th-23rd, 2023, as "National Legion Week" in Greater Napanee.

THEREFORE, let it be known in the Town of Greater Napanee that September 17th-23th, 2023, be proclaimed National Legion Week by the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims September 18th-24th, 2023, as "Rail Safety Week" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 18 to 24, 2023;

AND WHEREAS 232 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2022; resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 43 avoidable serious injuries;

AND WHEREAS educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens;

AND WHEREAS operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness;

AND WHEREAS CN has requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS the week of September 18th-24th, 2023, be recognized as Rail Safety Week in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims September 28th, 2023, as "National British Home Child Day" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS; Over 100,000 children from toddlers to the age of eighteen were emigrated from all areas of the UK to Canada. These children were either adopted or used as a source of labour on our farms and in our Canadian households. They are known today as the "British Home Children" (BHC);

AND WHEREAS; There are an estimated four million descendants of BHC living in Canada today;

AND WHEREAS; Many of these children were settled into Napanee and the surrounding area. They contributed enormously to the building of this Town;

AND WHEREAS; On September 28th, our National BHC Day in Canada, over 65 venues across Canada, Scotland and England will be participating in the "Beacons of Light for BHC and Child Migrants Tribute" to honour the memory of the BHC and their descendants.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS September 28th, 2023, be recognized as National British Home Child Day in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims September 2023 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS prostate cancer is the most common cancer risk to affect Canadian men;

AND WHEREAS one in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with the disease;

AND WHEREAS an estimated 11 Canadian men will die from prostate cancer every day;

AND WHEREAS the survival rate for prostate cancer can be close to 100% when detected early, but three of four men will die when it’s found late;

AND WHEREAS black men and those with a family history of the disease are at a greater risk;

AND WHEREAS since Prostate Cancer Canada was formed in 1994, the death rate has been cut in half;

AND WHEREAS awareness and conversations about prostate cancer can lead to screening and early detection that saves lives;

AND WHERAS the Town of Greater Napanee supports Prostate Cancer Canada and all individuals committed to raising awareness about prostate cancer;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS the month of September 2023 be recognized as “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month” in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims October 17th, 2023, as "Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day" in Greater Napanee.

WHEREAS; Years of research confirms the benefits of high-quality early learning and child care for young children’s intellectual, emotional, social and physical development and later life outcomes;

AND WHEREAS; Child care promotes the well-being of children and responds to the needs of families and the broader community by supporting quality of life so that citizens can fully participate in and contribute to the economic and social life of their community;

AND WHEREAS; Trained and knowledgeable Registered Early Childhood Educators and child care staff are the key to quality in early learning and child care programs;

AND WHEREAS; Registered Early Childhood Educators and child care workers will be vital to the success of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS October 17th, 2023, be recognized as the 23rd annual “Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day” in the Town of Greater Napanee in recognition of the education, dedication and commitment of child care workers to children, their families and quality of life of the community.

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Greater Napanee hereby proclaims November 16th, 2023, as "Louis Riel Day" in Greater Napanee.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Town of Greater Napanee HEREBY PROCLAIMS November 16th, 2023, be recognized as Louis Riel Day in the Town of Greater Napanee.