Education Session: Resources for families New to Canada

December 15th, 2025 • 11:00am–1:00pm
Toronto Public Library – Lillian H. Smith Branch Auditorium

Families who are new to Canada often face unique challenges when navigating healthcare, schools, and support systems—especially when a bleeding disorder is part of the picture. This session is designed to help you feel informed, supported, and connected.

Join us for a practical and welcoming education session led by healthcare and community professionals who work closely with newcomer families. We will explore:

What You’ll Learn

  • How to navigate the Canadian healthcare system

  • Understanding your child’s care team and what to expect at clinic

  • Advocating for your child in schools and healthcare settings

  • Accessing settlement supports, community resources, and financial programs

  • Building strong support networks as you adjust to life in Canada

Who Should Attend

This session is intended for families who are newer to Canada and have a child or family member affected by a bleeding disorder. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are all welcome.

Format

The session will include a presentation, opportunities for questions, and time to connect with others in the community.




YMCA Wanakita Summer 2026 Pre-Registration

Pre-registration for Camp Wanakita 2026 is officially open! Each summer, campers living with bleeding disorders come together for two weeks of adventure, independence, and lifelong friendships. From canoeing and campfires to high ropes and leadership challenges, Wanakita is more than a camp — it’s a place where kids gain confidence, build independence, and see that their bleeding disorder doesn’t have to hold them back.

Through Hemophilia Ontario’s sponsorship, families pay only $250 per week (reduced from the YMCA’s $1,100/week rate). The rest is fully covered, ensuring every camper has the chance to experience everything Wanakita has to offer.

Pre-registration is open until October 31st. After this date, a waitlist-only option will remain available on our website until April 30th, 2026.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable summer!

See more here!


SWOR YAMP & Community Event

We’re closing out the year with something special! Join Hemophilia Ontario at Bingemans in Kitchener for a full day of connection, fun, and learning.

Youth Adventures & Mentorship Program (YAMP)
Our high school youth group will kick off the day with bowling, arcades, and escape rooms, followed by a leadership and education session. It’s a great chance for teens to connect, build confidence, and celebrate a year of growth together.

Community Gathering — 4:00 PM
In the late afternoon, we’ll welcome families and community members for an education session, dinner, and a trip through the Gift of Lights display! It’s the perfect way to spend a winter evening together and connect with others in the bleeding disorders community.

📍 Location: Bingemans, Kitchener
🕓 Time: YAMP (morning–afternoon) | Community Event (4:00–11:00 PM)
🍽 Dinner included

Whether you’re part of YAMP or joining later for the community evening, we can’t wait to see you there!

RVSP Here!


Help Send a Child to Camp – One Step at a Time

Help Send a Child to Camp – One Step at a Time

 

This year, we’re walking with purpose. On August 23rd 2025, we invite you to join us in making camp dreams come true for children living with bleeding disorders—kids who often face far more than their peers.

 

For over 30 years, we’ve seen how camp transforms lives. Camp isn’t just a week away—it’s a place where children gain confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Parents tell us how their children return home changed, empowered, and full of joy.

But camp is a privilege—and for too many families, it’s out of reach.

Together, we can change that.

Last year, thanks to supporters like you, we raised over $10,000, sending 10 children to camp. This year let’s go even further. Let’s give more kids the chance to experience the magic of campfires, late-night laughter, and a safe space where they can just be kids.

Check out our Virtual Map of those Walking for Camp!

Register Below and Join the Walk for Camp!

Whether you walk in person or virtually, every step you take brings a child closer to camp.

📅 Date: August 23, 2025
📍 In-Person Walk: Includes Zoo day pass & lunch
🌐 Virtual Walk: Join from anywhere in Ontario

In-Person Walk Pricing

  • Individual (18+): $50
  • Group of 4 Adults: $175
  • Children under 18 walk free

Virtual Walk Pricing

  • Individual (18+): $25
  • Group of 4 Adults: $100
  • Children under 18 participate free

Fundraising Minimums

  • Individual: $250
  • Group of 4: $800

(Your registration fee counts toward your goal.)

🎁 Prizes for top fundraisers and everyone who meets their goal
👕 Personalized merch available online and at the event


Register for Just the Dads!

Hemophilia Ontario’s Just the Dads program is an updated version of our previous Just the Guys Weekend, which has been part of our camp offering since 2001.

The Just the Dads program is a weekend overnight camp for girls and boys ages 4-17 who are affected by an inherited bleeding disorder, and their accompanying father/male caregiver ages 19+.

Mothers commonly act as the primary medical caregivers within our community, and this weekend provides a unique opportunity for the dads/male caregivers to gain a better understanding of their child/children’s diagnosis and to connect with other families through a series of education sessions, activities, and group events.

Registration for Just the Dads 2025 is Now Open!

📍 YMCA Ki-Wa-Y, Kitchener, ON 🗓 Friday, September 12th – Sunday, September 14th, 2025

Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your bond, create new traditions, and enjoy the great outdoors together.


Ship your Merch to Camp!

🏕️ Help Send Kids to Camp with Your Purchase! 🏕️

Every summer, we bring children in the bleeding disorders community together for an unforgettable camp experience—building friendships, gaining confidence, and learning skills that last a lifetime. Now, you can be part of that journey by purchasing our exclusive camp merch!

All proceeds from your purchase go directly toward helping kids attend camp.

Available Items:

👕 T-Shirt – The perfect way to show your support in style

🧥 Sweater – Cozy, comfortable, and camp-ready

👖 Sweatpants – Stay warm and relaxed wherever you go

💸 FREE SHIPPING if you choose to pick up your order at camp!

Your support makes a difference—thank you for helping us create life-changing camp experiences! Click the “SHOP NOW” button below to grab your merch and make an impact.


Come to our GTA Picnic Reunion!

📍 Heart Lake Conservation Area, Brampton, ON
🗓 Saturday, June 21st, 2025 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Site: Lakemount 1

Join us for our GTA Community Reunion & Picnic — a day to come together with old friends and make new ones! Whether you’ve attended camp, workshops, or past events, this is your chance to reconnect with the bleeding disorders community in a relaxed, fun, and family-friendly environment.

What to Expect:
🍔 BBQ lunch (vegetarian options available)
🏸 Picnic lawn games for all ages
🧠 A short community-focused session
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Space to catch up and reconnect!

Register Here!


Altuviiio Approved by Health Canada

Hemophilia Ontario is pleased to share with our community that Altuviiio, an ultra-extended half-life Factor VIII treatment for Hemophilia A, has been approved by Health Canada. This approval expands the range of treatment options available for individuals with Hemophilia A. Learn more about Altuviiio on the Canadian Hemophilia Society website. 
Current Hemophilia A treatment options include:

Recombinant Factor 8: Adynovate, Eloctate, Esperoct, Jivi, Kovaltry, Xyntha and Zonovate

Factor 8 Mimetic: Hemlibra

Each treatment is unique, and the best option will vary based on individual needs. If you are considering a change in treatment, we encourage you to discuss your options with your hematology team. To see a full comparison of available products with additional details, please refer to the following PDF by David Page from CHS.