September 9th is International FASD Day
First celebrated in 1999, FASD day is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.
Countdown to FASD Day!
FASD Awareness Month
Throughout the month of September, events are held across Canada and around the world in recognition of FASD Day. But FASD awareness initiatives deserve more than one day of focus.
The Government of Canada officially recognized September as FASD Awareness Month in 2020. At CanFASD, we celebrate both FASD Day and FASD Month and encourage communities to continue to work towards increased awareness of FASD throughout the whole month of September and beyond.
2026 Theme is Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community
This year’s FASD Awareness Month theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community”, highlights the power of collective support in creating a society where individuals with FASD and their families can thrive.
When we talk about community, we mean more than professionals. Community includes families, friends, neighbours, cultural communities, schools, workplaces, and communities of practice – the many people and networks that surround and support individuals every day.
Supporting people with FASD and promoting alcohol-free pregnancies is a shared responsibility. When we work together, we create environments where people feel supported, valued, and able to succeed.
This year’s theme celebrates the strength, connection, and belonging that communities create. By learning, supporting one another, and sharing knowledge, communities can help individuals with FASD across their lifespan and promote healthy pregnancies.
Share your community’s efforts and innovations this FASD Month using #FASDMonth and help inspire others to show how their community plays a part too.
Supporting Healthy Pregnancies
FASD prevention is a shared responsibility that goes beyond simply telling people not to drink during pregnancy. Alcohol use during pregnancy can be linked to complex factors such as poverty, housing, access to healthcare, trauma, stress, and social isolation. By learning more, having supportive conversations, and creating inclusive environments with alcohol-free options, communities, professionals, and families can all play a role in reducing alcohol-exposed pregnancies and supporting healthier outcomes.
Play Your Part
Explore our interactive “Everyone Plays a Part” webpage to find tailored ideas, resources, and actions you can take based on your role, sector, or community.
How to Get Involved
Ready to take the next step? Explore our FASD Month toolkit below for ready-to-use resources, social media content, and materials to support your awareness efforts.
2025 FASD MONTH TOOLKIT
These resources were last updated on July 23, 2025.
How to use our Canva social media template
We’ve created a set of ready-to-use graphics for FASD Month – you can download them instantly here:
But if you’d like to tailor the graphics to reflect your organization, we’ve made it super easy with our editable Canva templates! You don’t need any design skills – just follow these simple steps:
- Tap the link to open the template in Canva.
- If you don’t already have a Canva account, you’ll be prompted to create a free one.
- Once the template opens, click “Use template for new design”. This will create a copy you can edit freely without affecting the original.
- Look for the yellow-highlighted boxes labelled “Add your logo here” in the design.
- Click on the box, delete the placeholder, and upload your own logo using the Uploads tab on the left menu.
- Drag and drop your logo into place.
- When you’re done, click “Share” → “Download” to save your final graphic.
Choose your preferred file type (JPG or PNG is recommended for social media), and you’re ready to post! If you get stuck or need help adjusting the design, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@canfasd.ca we’re happy to assist!
Play Your Part
Attend an Event
Many community members host awareness walks, community lunches, and/or virtual and in-personal events in honour of FASD Awareness Day. Check out your local or regional FASD organization to find an event near you or take a look at our list of events!
Are you hosting an event in Canada? Tell us what, when, and where. We will share it on our channels to help community members get involved.
Rock Your Red Shoes
Wear your red shoes on FASD Day, throughout FASD month, and at local events. Be part of a global community that is bringing a voice to those impacted by FASD. Share your red shoes on social media using the hashtag #RedShoesRock.
Watch Canada Light Up Red for FASD
Monuments and landmarks across Canada will be lighting up red on September 9th in honour of FASD Awareness Day. Grab your friends and family members to go see the lights. Share with the hashtag #FASDMonth.
Learn
Whether you’re an expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or just you’ve just heard the term “FASD” for the first time, there’s always more to learn. Here are a few key resources to look at this FASD Month:
Donate
Donate to CanFASD or other FASD organizations that are working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of Canadians. If you are unable to make a financial contribution, donate your time and attention to this cause. Volunteer with local organizations and attend FASD month events in your community.
History of FASD Day
FASD Awareness Day was first started by three parent advocates from Canada and the United States. They wanted to bring attention to FASD and the impact prenatal exposure to alcohol has on fetal development. They chose to recognize FASD Day on the ninth day of the ninth month to highlight the importance of going alcohol free for the full nine months of pregnancy. The first day was celebrated on 9/9/99. Since then, FASD Day has become a global movement, with countries from all around the world participating.
Red Shoes Rock
Red Shoes Rock is an incredible grassroots movement that has gained international recognition. The idea behind Red Shoes Rock is simple: wear red shoes at FASD events to bring attention to this disability.
Red shoes became a symbol for FASD awareness after Canadian educator and advocate, RJ Formanek, wore red shoes on an international stage to talk about FASD. For him, wearing red shoes are a symbol of power and strength.
The Red Shoes Rock movement started in 2013 and grew as more community members got involved to increase visibility. Dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, the organizers continue to collaborate with organizations and communities around the world. Read more about Red Shoes Rock here.
This FASD Month, wear red shoes and help bring attention to FASD. Don’t have red shoes? No worries! Add a red shirt or pants to your outfit instead. Be sure to share on social media using the hashtag #RedShoesRock.
