Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW)

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is observed each year from February 1st to 7th. Since 1988, EDAW has been recognized across Canada to raise awareness about the causes, prevalence, and effects of eating disorders. A variety of local events are held to educate the public, spread awareness, and encourage individuals to take action in supporting those affected by eating disorders.

What does the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) have planned for EDAW 2025?

During the week of #EDAW2025, BANA will be active at various locations within Windsor-Essex  to help spread awareness, educate the public, and inspire others to act in supporting those impacted by eating disorders. Visit us at various locations on campus at the University of Windsor, at Devonshire Mall, and at Windsor Regional Hospital. See our EDAW schedule below.

Join BANA, lululemon, and Saje for a revitalizing Sunday morning yoga session at lululemon Devonshire Mall on February 2nd! We invite the community to enjoy this free class, where you can embrace joyful movement and connect with others in a relaxing setting. The class will take place from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and everyone is welcome—no experience necessary. Remember to bring your own mat. Enter using the doors near BMO and meet us in front of lululemon to get started. We can’t wait to see you there!

Be Yourself Podcast – Dropping February 7th!

Listen to a special episode of BANA’s Be Yourself Podcast during EDAW featuring our guest, Dr. Anita Federici. Dr. Federici is a registered clinical Psychologist and the owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. With more than 20 years of experience working with eating disorders across levels of care, Dr. Federici focuses primarily on helping those who have been misunderstood, undertreated, and invalidated by the system. Learn more about listening to our podcast here: https://bana.ca/podcast/

Be Yourself Magazine 

Our latest edition of the BANA Be Yourself Magazine will be released during EDAW, too! It is full of educational content and information regarding the impact of eating disorders. Access it here: www.bana.ca/magazine.

In-person and online Giveaways!

Unfiltered reflections (ONLINE @BANAWINDSOR) Post a photo of yourself in a way that feels authentic (e.g., no filters, in comfortable clothing, doing something you love) – in the caption share one thing you appreciate about yourself that has nothing to do with appearance and tag three friends to do the same. Use hashtags #UnfilteredEDAW and tag @BANAwindsor

Participate at the Booth (IN-PERSON) – Play PLINKO!  Answer one of our trivia questions for a chance to enter our giveaway!

Learn more on Instagram: @banawindsor.

Instagram LIVE!

The BANA team will be going live on our Instagram account with special guest:

  • Ary Maharaj, NEDIC’s Outreach & Education Co-ordinator, on February 7th

Our community is lighting up purple in support!

We are grateful for the support of ENWIN Utilities Ltd., Caesars Windsor, Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino, and the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) for participating in landmark lightings this year! The lighting of prominent landmarks by municipalities plays a crucial role in validating the experiences of individuals with loved ones facing this life-threatening mental illness.

ALL WEEK: Visit one of Windsor’s EDAW Landmark Lightings and post a photo to Social Media! Participating locations below:

  • Hanna Water Tower (Enwin Utilities Ltd.) – Located at the corner of Hanna Street and Benjamin Avenue in South Walkerville
  • Downtown Windsor – lighting along two blocks on both the west and east sides of Ouellette Avenue, from Riverside Drive to Pitt Street, and from Pitt Street to Chatham Street
  • Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, ON N9A 7H7

#SHOWUSYOURPURPLE

We also encourage YOU to wear purple during the week of February 1-7th to show your support. Post a photo to social media, tag us (@banawindsor) and use the hashtag above.

Want to donate? We accept donations!

To help support local services in Windsor-Essex, visit this link: https://bana.ca/get-involved-donate/ to give back to BANA.

In partnership with Windsor Essex Community Health Centre – Teen Health, BANA provides a centralized intake service to residents of Windsor-Essex. Intake services are provided free of charge to all ages. By streamlining inquiries and access to treatment, this allows our team to provide continuity in care.