By canfasdblog on Sep 04, 2024 07:00 am

Did you know that CanFASD Research Network is a not for profit and registered charity in Canada?

September 5th is International Charity Day. What a coincidence that it’s happening during Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month!

Earlier this year we launched the Lived Experience Leadership Fund (LELF) to help people with lived experience be a part of research and knowledge exchange activities. We weren’t sure what to expect when we launched this fund. But we were blown away by the generosity of our community. At CanFASD, we are committed to continuing this fund and we need your help!

The Lived Experience Leadership Fund

We need the voices of those with lived experience in discussions about research, policy, and practice. However, lack of financial support is a big barrier to participating. The costs of flights, hotels, and transportation to attend conferences and meetings shouldn’t be a barrier to having your voice heard.

The Lived Experience Leadership Fund is a donation-based fund that covers the cost for people with lived and living experience to participate in research activities. This includes conferences, events, and meetings. Individuals with FASD; parents and caregivers of someone with FASD; and/or people who identify as having consumed alcohol during their pregnancy are eligible to apply for financial support through this fund. It will off-set costs to participate in an approved research activity.

Meet Chris Fillion

Chris Fillion is an advocate and community leader. Chris also has FASD. With the support of the Lived Experience Leadership Fund, Chris travelled from Manitoba to Seattle to participate in international conference on FASD. Thanks to our generous donors, Chris was able to share his experiences with others from around the world.

Invest in better research and support people like Chris. Donate today!

Show your support this FASD Month

Every little bit you can give can change someone’s life. But if you can’t donate, here are some simple things you can do that can really make a difference this FASD Awareness Month:

Share a post on social media for #FASDMonth2024

Snap a quick picture of you wearing red shoes and share it with your followers. Help spread awareness about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder!

Talk to at least one person a day about FASD  

It boggles our minds how few people know about FASD compared to other disabilities like autism. Especially considering FASD is an estimated 2.5 times more prevalent! Help spread the word by talking to your friends and family. The more people that know, the more knowledge and support will grow!

Learn more about FASD 

FASD is so complex and best practices surrounding support, diagnosis, and prevention are always changing. Take some time to learn more about FASD by reading the latest research or taking an online course.

Contact your federal representative about a National FASD Framework 

We need to see action on FASD happening at a federal level. Contact your local member of parliament and ask them to publicly support Bill S-253, which is currently under consideration in committee.

Help support FASD this International Charity Day!

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