By Deron Hamel
Scotiabank branches in 116 Ontario communities will be raising awareness of epilepsy on Purple Day on March 26. The financial institute is the largest organization in the province to jump on board in support of the epilepsy community’s most celebrated awareness event.
This marks the first year Scotiabank has hosted Purple Day events at its branches, and it’s a move welcomed by Epilepsy Ontario, says the agency’s project manager Nikki Porter.
Throughout this week, participating Scotiabank branches have “community tables” where bank customers can make donations and pick up purple epilepsy awareness ribbons.
“Having a partner of this size allows us to raise awareness on a much larger scale,” Porter tells Voices of Epilepsy. “With tables set up at more than 200 Scotiabank branches, it is a wonderful show of support for people living with epilepsy.”
Scotiabank is not alone in showing support for those living with epilepsy. Many other businesses, organizations and schools across Ontario and Canada will host events and activities in recognition of Purple Day. For instance, employees and students may be encouraged to wear purple – the international colour of epilepsy awareness – and to initiate fundraisers.
Porter says the most important aspect of these events is the fact that they raise awareness of epilepsy, a condition affecting one in every 100 Canadians. Raising awareness of epilepsy and its prevalence helps break down preconceived notions about the condition and fosters inclusiveness in schools and workplaces, Porter says.
For the past few years, Deanna Sinasac has been a staunch advocate for epilepsy awareness. Every Purple Day, she organizes events at Amherstburg Public School in Amherstburg, Ont., where her daughter, Alexis, is a student.
Sinasac has baked purple cupcakes and raised money for the Epilepsy Support Centre. She also organizes school assemblies where Epilepsy Support Centre representatives speak with staff and students about seizure disorders. Many students and staff members also dress in purple clothing Purple Day.
“By having Purple Day at the school, it gets the whole school involved,” Sinasac says. “Hopefully, they can take what they learn out of the school and educate their parents and others.”
Porter, who has largely been involved with raising epilepsy awareness at the community level in the past, says the efforts people like Sinasac put into Purple Day have a significant impact.
“Students and employees with epilepsy get a sense of belonging and support when they see their (fellow students) and employers supporting them,” she says.
Purple Day was started in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, a then-nine-year-old Nova Scotia girl, who is living with epilepsy. Purple Day events are now held worldwide.
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