April 1st, 2025
April 2025 Days of Significance
Dear EAFWR Community,
As we step into April, we recognize several important Days of Significance that bring awareness, celebration, and reflection. This month, we highlight World Autism Awareness Day, Bengali New Year/Tamil New Year/Vaisakhi, Easter, and Earth Day.
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
A day to increase understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. This is an opportunity to challenge misconceptions and promote neurodiversity in our communities. The 2025 observance, under the theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)“, highlights how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
Learn More: World Autism Awareness Day – United Nations
️ Event: International Autism Awareness & Empowerment Conference Tickets, Wed, 2 Apr 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
April 14 – Bengali New Year / Tamil New Year / Vaisakhi
April 14 marks the start of a new year in several South Asian communities, each with its own rich traditions:
- Vaisakhi celebrates the founding of the Khalsa in Sikhism and the harvest season. It is a time of prayer, celebration, and community gatherings.
Learn More: Vaisakhi in Canada - Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) is a time for new beginnings, colorful festivals, and cultural performances.
Learn More: Pohela Boishakh – Wikipedia - Puthandu / Vishu (Tamil/Malayalam New Year) is observed with family gatherings, feasts, and traditional rituals that symbolize renewal and prosperity.
Learn More:
️ Events:
April 20 – Easter
Easter is a time of renewal and hope, observed by Christian communities worldwide. From religious services to cultural traditions like egg painting, this holiday brings families and communities together.
Learn More: Easter | Origin, Christianity, Jesus, Traditions, History, Name, Facts, & Dates | Britannica
️ Events:
- Schneider Haus Easter Egg-stravaganza
- The Easter Story Told Through the Music of U2
- DPPCAs Easter Egg Hunt
- Pysanka (Ukrainian Egg Painting) Workshop
- Easter Brunch at The Walper Hotel
April 22 – Earth Day
A global call to action for environmental protection and sustainability. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, reminds us that collective action can drive meaningful change.
Learn More: Earth Day Canada | Earth Day 2025
️ Events:
- City of Waterloo Earth Day Community Cleanup
- Earth Day at Preston – Idea Exchange
- Cambridge Community Clean-Up – Idea Exchange
April offers a blend of awareness, cultural celebrations, and collective action. Whether it’s advocating for autism inclusion, honoring cultural traditions, celebrating Easter, or participating in community cleanups, there are many ways to participate.
Keep an eye on EAFWR’s website and social media for updates and events happening throughout the month!
Best,
Mimi Mahmud
Equity Strategist, EAFWR
