Awareness Days

In celebration of Nutrition Month, we are diving into frequently asked questions about vitamin D answered by our Registered Dietitian, Heather-Ann B.

Why do I need vitamin D? Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones, muscles, and immune systems.

Where can I get vitamin D? Vitamin D is made by your body when exposed to sunshine. It can also be found in foods such as egg yolks, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, rainbow trout), and fortified milk products or formulas. However, many Canadians are unable to get adequate vitamin D through diet and sun exposure alone. This means that many may require vitamin D supplementation to meet their needs.

How much Vitamin D do I need each day? The amount of vitamin D required daily depends on age and other health condition considerations.

Age (years)	Amount of vitamin D required daily for the general population (including intake from food and supplements)
<1	400 IU
1-70	600 IU
>70	800 IU

Speak with your Dietitian or health care provider about the amount of vitamin D required for you or your family members. Consider reading the labels of multivitamins or supplements already being consumed, as these often contain vitamin D. Remember, there is such thing as too much of a good thing! Vitamin D consumed in excess amounts can lead to negative effects.

On behalf of our IDEA committee at Grandview Kids, for Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18-24), we reached out to Grandview Kids staff who were all part of the Neurodiversity panel planned by Taryn E., our Executive Lead for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization, and moderated by Adrian P., our Marketing and Communication Manager, for #TeamGrandview last year.

We asked our panellists, “What does celebrating neurodiversity mean to you?” and here are their answers:

“March 18 to 24 marks this year’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week. This provides us with an opportunity to celebrate individuals who identify as neurodiverse. As the Grandview Kids Ability Acceptance Presenter, being neurodiverse is a trait that I celebrate and embrace in everything that I do. As someone on the Autism Spectrum and someone who identifies as neurodiverse, I have dedicated my life to promoting the ideas around neurodiversity.

I believe that neurodiversity means that all individuals are equal and that everyone is capable of great things. We need to move away from the idea of thinking that just because someone identifies as having a disability or is neurodiverse doesn’t mean that they can’t achieve great things. Though neurodivergent individuals often see the world slightly differently from others, it is this uniqueness and special mindset that allows for these individuals to thrive and find solutions to problems that most people never thought possible, creating a truly unique and exciting present and future.”
Mitchell D., Ability Acceptance Presenter and Archivist

“I believe that celebrating neurodiversity means celebrating everyone’s authentic self and highlighting the individual’s right to autonomy and self-determination. It means recognizing the value in differences and respecting individual strengths, challenges, and perspectives. Different ways of looking at problems and solutions yield varied and creative solutions and accommodations. Celebrating different ideas, needs, perspectives, learning styles, and modes of communication benefits everyone!”
Alishia C., Speech-Language Pathologist

“My family celebrates neurodiversity for several reasons. I’m an autistic woman and I am proud of my neurodiverse family. I wasn’t diagnosed until my 40’s and I spent most of my life feeling different. I was weird and quirky and didn’t really fit in anywhere. My memere would always say, “Dare to be different!”. She would be proud of the woman and advocate that I am now. I owe it to myself and my autistic children to celebrate who we are and to make sure the spaces we take up are as valid as anyone else in the room.

I fidget and prefer to look away when talking to someone. I either go all-in, get very personal and don’t know when to stop talking, or I become non-speaking and don’t talk at all. I am different, weird, and quirky and often don’t fit in, and I’m finally okay with that!

By celebrating our neurodivergence, we challenge the prejudices we face and promote a shift in perspective. Let’s change the conversation away from perceived weaknesses to the many strengths and advantages of being neurodivergent. Neurodiversity celebrations also provide opportunities for education and acceptance. This can lead to more accommodating environments and better support systems for neurodiverse individuals to thrive.

In essence, celebrating neurodiversity is about embracing and promoting a society where everyone, regardless of their neurotype, is accepted, supported, and valued for who they are. Celebrating ourselves and our loved ones who “dare to be different” is a step towards a more inclusive and compassionate world for everyone.”
Natasha M., Program Coordinator – Family Engagement Team

“Celebrating neurodiversity as a clinician and someone who is neurotypical means that I am looking to the neurodiverse individuals in my life and the neurodiverse community on social media to guide me on how the community wishes to be celebrated. My job as an advocate is not to be the voice of the celebration, but rather amplify the voices of the community who is celebrating.”
Samantha M., Occupational Therapist

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and calling for action to accelerate women’s equality.

The 2024 campaign theme for International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.

The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. It’s a call to action and a reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities. We all have a role to play in building a future where everyone can reach their full potential.

On an organizational or group basis, there are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included.

Organizations and groups can #InspireInclusion and #AccelerateProgress through actions such as recruiting, retaining and developing female talent. We benefit from a dynamic, diverse workforce at Grandview Kids. Based on results from our Fall 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Survey, 95% of Grandview Kids staff identify as women.

Another way to #InspireInclusion and #AccelerateProgress is by supporting women and girls in leadership, decision-making, business, and STEM. Grandview Kids’ senior leadership team is two-thirds women, and our broader leadership team is 70% women. We are also fortunate to benefit from the time and expertise of six women on our Board of Trustees and an all-female physician group.

Here’s what some of them have to say about International Women’s Day:

“Women worldwide contribute to the rich tapestry of diversity that defines us as Canadians, and I am incredibly proud to highlight my heritage from the Philippines. In Filipino culture, women hold a special place of honour and strength, from the fearless leaders who fought for our independence, to the nurturing caregivers who shape our families. As Filipinx/a/os, they display resilience, grace, and unwavering courage in the diaspora. This International Women’s Day is not solely about recognizing women’s achievements but acknowledging each woman’s diversity and strength in our lives and communities. It’s about commemorating the unique perspectives, talents and experiences that enrich our world daily. In a world where obstacles still exist, and challenges persist, Grandview Kids has promoted solidarity to support gender equality and inclusion. Together, let us build a world that is more inclusive, more equitable, and more just for everyone. Maligayang Araw ng mga Kababaihan (Happy International Women’s Day)!” – Dr. Siapno, Physician

“Grandview exemplifies a predominately female workforce making an incredible impact in the lives of families. It is my privilege to support the collective efforts of our team. Women belong where decisions are made, and the collective intelligence of our contributions will redefine our world. Celebrate the women in your life.” – Erin, Board Member and Chair of Governance Excellence Committee

“I have been fortunate to have had many incredible women leaders to learn from and be inspired by, including here at Grandview! I strive to learn from them and share those learnings with others.” – Marika, Clinical Manager

“When I joined the Grandview Kids Board, it was somewhat unique at the time in that there were many females participating on the Board. These women had cultivated leadership roles in both their professional and personal lives. I spoke with one of these women in my interview for the Board and feel very fortunate to have volunteered alongside many accomplished women at Grandview Kids.

In my daily life, I am a Special Education Resource Teacher in the Durham District School Board. Equality, inclusion and diversity have long been passions of mine. When I was volunteering with Girls Inc of Durham I was asked if I was a feminist – I replied yes. This led to being asked ‘what does feminism mean to me?’ My response came easily – ‘having a choice.’ We quickly see those choices disappearing in our society today. Feminism is not only about equal rights, but also about inclusion, diversity, knowledge, understanding and respect.” – Catherine Switzer, Board Member and Chair of Priorities and Performance Committee

“Inclusion means everyone belongs. There is power among womxn when everyone has a seat at the table.” – Taryn Eickmeier, Executive Lead, Research, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization

“I have been supported for years by strong, determined, and influential women in my career. I am honoured to have been recognized as a Durham Region Woman of Impact for 2024, but I share this honour with the amazing women at Grandview Kids who have mentored, supported and empowered me in the last 12 years.” – Andrea Belanger, Family Engagement Program Manager

“I’ve been lucky to learn from many inspiring, talented, strong women leaders throughout my career. Seeing women in leadership has steadily reinforced my own trajectory toward these roles. Especially as a young woman in leadership, I have faced many obstacles in my journey, from people questioning my capabilities, to discounting my perspectives. I have transcended these barriers to establish a meaningful career, rooted in integrity and compassion. It can be tiring, but it’s necessary to drown out self-doubt, know one’s worth and self-advocate. More recently, I have had a unique experience as a woman in leadership and mother to young children – a time when balance for any working parent becomes a struggle, but with the added pressure of executive accountabilities. With the support of a caring network of family and colleagues, I have settled into a flow where home and work priorities can co-exist and evolve. Often, I have mapped my own path, but hopefully, it can serve as a blueprint to inspire others. To me, Inspiring Inclusion starts with valuing, listening to and respecting women. It means making space, challenging norms and speaking up. This is complex work. But it’s worthwhile and necessary work. It’s something I am deeply committed to as I raise my own two daughters.” – Avori Cheyne, Chief Communications Officer and Executive Lead, Strategic Communications, Partnerships and Engagement

Here are other ways you may be able to make a difference and #InspireInclusion for women in your own life or organization:

designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
elevating women and girl’s participation and achievement in sport
promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls

Where are you going to start? Let’s continue to learn from, listen to, and celebrate women. Together, we can champion a community that supports gender inclusion and is free of bias and discrimination.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Sam Keane is a former Grandview Kid’s client and current Grandview Kid’s employee working on the Family Engagement Team as a Peer Navigator. He has Spastic Triplegia Cerebral Palsy and, during his time as a client, accessed many of Grandview Kids’ services, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, alongside a variety of social programs and activities. These resources helped Sam achieve many personal goals and accomplishments throughout his journey as he transitioned from adolescence to adult life outside of Grandview Kids.

Sam refills team water bottle in between periods always keeping the athletes hydrated.

His feats include working for the Ontario Tech University’s Women’s Hockey Team, where he achieved his dream of working within the field of hockey as an Equipment Manager. Sam’s duties as an equipment manager include overseeing the hockey team’s everyday operations such as laundry, prepping the dressing room for practice and games, filling the player’s water bottles, sharpening skates, and other duties requested by the team. He is extremely grateful for the coaches, trainers, and hockey team who contribute to the honour and pride that he receives from his job.

Sam went on a life-changing experience to Scotland, learning about the power of determination and self-discovery. Throughout his two-week trip, he went to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee and Inverness, staying in multiple hostels while having to figure out the transit system. Many of his friends and family saw the trip as insane, dangerous, and frightening; even Sam had his doubts. “Why would I travel on a plane across the Atlantic Ocean by myself am I crazy? Did I have any idea how difficult that is for anyone, let alone somebody with Cerebral Palsy?” he asked himself. Despite the concerns Sam and his loved ones had, everyone was excited about the journey that he was about to embark on.

Sam meeting his good friend James Neal former Nashville predators forward at the grand opening of the adolescent office at the abilities center after stellar work by the smilezone foundation. (August 25, 2015).

Sam’s trip to Scotland gave him the confidence to venture out again. He recently took a trip to Denver, Colorado, to see his buddy, Ryan Johansen, an NHL hockey player who plays for the Colorado Avalanche. Sam’s friendship with Ryan began at Grandview kids in 2015. Three days before he was scheduled to undergo a major orthopedic operation at Sick Kids Hospital, Grandview Kids’ adolescent office at the Abilities Centre was set to have its grand opening in collaboration with the SmileZone Foundation. Sam had been nominated by Grandview Kids to represent the organization and deliver a speech about his experiences as a Grandview Kids client. At the time, the spokesperson for SmileZone was James Neal, who played for the Nashville Predators and happened to be one of Ryan’s teammates. Sam and James ended up becoming friends, and he eventually got invited through Grandview and SmileZone to a hockey game to see James take on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sam receiving physiotherapy as a Grandview kid working on the parallel bars.

Sam would text James before every game to wish him good luck, and his friendship with James led him to connect with Ryan. He would send Ryan gameday texts as well, which eventually developed into a friendship like none other. As Sam reflects on his journey with Grandview Kids and monumental life experiences. “Those two guys gave me a friendship which would change my life, and I could not be more grateful. Thanks for a great time in Denver, bub. For a kid who wasn’t supposed to survive birth and then was never going to walk, with the support from Grandview and phenomenal parents by his side the whole way, I would say he’s done rather remarkable and well on his way to achieving his full potential.”

March 3 to 9 is Social Work Week in Ontario, and across Canada, March is National Social Work Month. This March, we invite you to how social workers are meeting Ontarians where they are, when it matters most. The 2025 theme, Wherever you are, #SoAreWe, speaks to the availability and versatility of the social work profession, highlighting its critical role in addressing a growing and universal problem – access to care.

What is a Social Worker?

Social Work is a profession aimed at helping individuals, families and communities to build capacity and promote wellbeing. They can help to identify sources of stress or problems, strengthen coping skills and find effective solutions. Social workers are unique among helping professionals because they look at people’s problems within the context of their families, workplace and communities and consider the connection between personal problems and larger social issues (Ontario Association of Social Workers, 2025).

Receiving and navigating through a disability diagnosis for your child is complicated and confusing and often evokes many difficult emotions, thoughts, and worries about the future. Parents and caregivers are often left to search for support in a convoluted system with little direction while caring for their child and/or family and managing their own well-being. This is an overwhelming time in a family’s life, and Social Workers at Grandview Kids play a unique role in the care team.

Social Workers can help your family understand your child’s diagnosis, assist in developing coping strategies and connect your family with programs or services in the community. Social Workers aim to include and promote the best interests of the entire family that may be impacted by a disability.

Social Workers assist families in processing their emotions and thoughts and navigating the next steps regarding a child’s disability. Social Work Services at Grandview Kids can include individual, family or group counselling for caregivers/parents, clients and siblings and are provided by Registered Social Workers and Family Support Assistants. These services can also assist with resource coordination, transition support, and funding assistance to clients and their families.

How to access Social Work at Grandview Kids and beyond:

Any child who is receiving Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Physiotherapy may be eligible for Social Work Services at Grandview Kids. Ask your clinician about Social Work Services, and they can complete a referral to our team.

When you meet with a Social Worker, they will complete an intake assessment to better understand your current goals and support needs. From that point, you will work with your Social Worker towards those goals. Your Social Worker will be a supportive member of your child’s team that works collaboratively with your family, their Grandview Team, and other community members that may be supporting your child or family.

Feedback from Grandview Kids families about Social Work:

Myths About Social Workers

Source: Ontario Association of Social Workers

Myth: For psychotherapy or mental health services, you need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist.

FACT: Social Workers are the largest group of practitioners providing psychotherapy and other mental health services in the province. In fact, Social Workers are often the only mental health care providers in many rural and remote communities.

Myth: Anyone who has a kind heart can do what a Social Worker does.

FACT: Social Workers are highly skilled professionals who have a university degree in Social Work at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level.

Myth: Social Workers are bleeding hearts.

FACT: Social workers believe that many factors affect the health and well-being of individuals and communities. In fact, a growing body of research supports the conclusion that the roots of health and well-being can be found in such factors as access to early childhood education and care, education and literacy, employment and working conditions, income and distribution, housing, social inclusion, etc. 

Thank you to our amazing Social Work team for making a difference to clients and families. Join us in celebrating them this #SocialWorkMonth.

In March, we acknowledge Ramadan, Chet, St. Patrick’s Day, Nowruz, St. Joseph’s Day, Holi, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Read more about each holiday/celebration below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

March 11: Ramadan

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, begins this year on March 11 (depending on the sighting of the new moon). It is a time marked by community, prayer, and acts of charity, emphasizing personal growth, gratitude, and compassion.

At Grandview Kids, we celebrate the diversity of our team, which includes our Muslim colleagues observing Ramadan. Recognizing this sacred month allows us to foster a supportive, understanding, and inclusive environment for everyone. We view Ramadan as a chance for mutual learning, adapting to the special requirements of our fasting colleagues by modifying schedules for prayer times and the breaking of their fast at sunset.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from several things from dawn until sunset, including:

Food: Muslims do not eat any food during the daylight hours.
Drinks: This includes not drinking any liquids, not even water.
Smoking or chewing gum: They can not smoke, chew gum or put a mint in their mouth.
Sexual Relations: Abstaining from sexual activities during the daylight hours is also part of the fast.
Sinful Behavior: Muslims are encouraged to avoid all types of sinful behaviour, such as lying, gossiping, and fighting. The fast goes beyond the physical to include moral and ethical dimensions, aiming for spiritual growth and purification.

To support our Muslim colleagues, a box of dates will be placed in the fridge at our Oshawa, Ajax and Airport sites, available for anyone to break their fast at sunset and for anyone from the staff to enjoy them as well. This gesture is a small but meaningful way to show our respect and support for those fasting and also an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to inclusivity and unity, making Ramadan meaningful for everyone in our organization.

March 14: Chet

In the Punjabi calendar, as well as the Nanakshahi calendar followed by Sikhs, the first month is known as Chet. This year, Chet is taking place on March 14, 2024. Chet marks the beginning of a new year, symbolizing renewal, growth, and the awakening of nature as winter fades and spring blossoms. It holds special significance for Sikhs as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, which typically falls in this month. Chet is a time of spiritual reflection and rejuvenation, inviting individuals to rekindle their connection with the divine and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It serves as a reminder of the eternal cycle of life, the importance of gratitude, and the potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is the feast day of this patron saint of Ireland. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated with religious feasts and services. St. Patrick was a 5th-century missionary to Ireland and later served as Bishop there. He is credited with bringing Christianity to parts of Ireland. There are many legends associated with the life of St. Patrick. According to one, he miraculously drove all the snakes of Ireland into the sea.

Another legend, and probably the most popular, is that of the shamrock, which was intended to describe three persons in one God to an unbeliever by showing him the three-leaved plant with one stalk. Traditionally, Irishmen have worn shamrocks, the national flower of Ireland, in their lapels on St Patrick’s Day, March 17.

So how will you celebrate St Patrick’s Day? Wear Green? Display a shamrock? Perhaps you might enjoy a traditional Irish feast such as Colcannon. The traditional Irish food pairs creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage. It can also feature greens like kale, scallions and leeks (its verdant colour makes it a St. Patrick’s Day classic) and is often served with boiled ham.

March 19: Nowruz

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs from March 19-21. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions.

Haft Seen traditional table of Nowruz. Haft-Seen also spelled as Haft Sin is a tabletop (sofreh) arrangement of seven symbolic items traditionally displayed at Nowruz, the Iranian new year.

Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among people based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. Its traditions and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilizations of the East and West, which influenced those civilizations through the interchange of human values. Celebrating Nowruz means the affirmation of life in harmony with nature, awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labour and natural cycles of renewal and a solicitous and respectful attitude towards natural sources of life.

March 19: St. Joseph’s Day

Joseph was the husband of the Virgin Mary and the legal father of Jesus Christ. After marrying Mary, Joseph found her already pregnant and, “being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace,” decided to divorce her quietly, but an angel told him that the child was the Son of God and was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Obeying the angel, Joseph took Mary as his wife. After Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem, an angel warned Joseph and Mary about the impending violence against the child as such, they fled to Egypt. There, the angel again appeared to Joseph, informing them to return to the Holy Land, and they settled in Nazareth.

Since the 10th century, several Western countries celebrated March 19 as the Feast of St. Joseph. The feast day became the official practice of the Church in the 1500s. Joseph is a patron of many things. He is the patron of a happy death, families, the Universal Church, fathers, expectant mothers, travellers, craftsmen, immigrants, workers, and engineers. He is also the patron of many countries, including the Americas, Canada, Croatia, Mexico, Korea, Austria, Belgium, Peru, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

March 25: Holi

Holi, also known as the ‘Festival of Colours,’ is one of the most vibrant and jubilant festivals in Hinduism, celebrated across India. It’s a time for people to come together, forget grievances, and enjoy life’s colourful moments. Holi is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The following day, in Holi, people engage in playing with colours, singing, and dancing, embodying the spirit of forgiveness, love, and joy. The celebrations can vary depending on the region in India, but one of the most common celebrations is having a bonfire on the eve of Holi, a reference to Holika.

March 29: Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed yearly as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday before Easter Sunday and can also be known as Holy Friday, Great Friday or Easter Friday. This year, Good Friday falls on March 29.

As a statutory holiday in Canada, schools and many businesses are closed to recognize the day. Hot cross buns are a traditional treat on Good Friday. There are small, bread-like buns made from dough that contains raisins, currents and other dried fruits. Typically, Good Friday is used as a day to attend church and spend time with loved ones preceding the Easter weekend.

March 31: Easter Sunday

Easter, also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus after the crucifixion (Good Friday). The Easter Bunny was created sometime in the 1700s and is a widely valued tradition for many families and children around the world today. However, some countries celebrate Easter without a bunny. In France, for example, people celebrate Easter with flying church bells. In Sweden, with Easter witches. However, if you’re spending the Easter Holiday this year, enjoy the time off and take some time for yourself.