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EFry Week

May 1, 2026

What is EFry Week?

EFry Week takes place from May 4 to 10, 2026, in the lead-up to Mother’s Day. Across Canada, Elizabeth Fry Societies mark this week by engaging their communities and raising awareness of the issues facing women, girls, and gender-diverse people who are at risk, involved in, or affected by the justice system.

Each year, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry) marks its founding (in 1939) with a week dedicated to raising awareness of its work and the issues facing women, girls, and gender-diverse people who are at risk, involved in, or affected by the justice system.

For seven days, communities across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island come together through events, conversations, landmark lightings, and municipal proclamations. Landmarks light up in blue and cities formally recognize EFry Week, helping bring visibility to gender-based violence (GBV) and its disproportionate impact on women, gender-diverse people, and girls in Canada.

Each year, EFry Week highlights a specific area of focus. In 2026, EFry is shining a spotlight on gender-based violence and its impacts across our communities. Throughout the week, events create space for learning, reflection, and dialogue, while increasing understanding of the realities faced by those supported through EFry’s programs.

How Can You Participate?

There are many ways to take part in EFry Week. Attend an event, engage with the conversations happening across communities, and help raise awareness by sharing information and resources within your own networks. You can also stay connected by following EFry and signing up for updates to learn more about our work throughout the year, or support this work through donations, partnerships, and advocacy.

Voices of Resilience – A Conversation on Gender Based Violence

Join us on Monday, May 4th, for a powerful gathering that raises awareness and inspires action to end gender-based violence.

This is a limited, closed-invitation event, taking place at Northview Golf & Country Club.

Learn more

May 5, 2026 – 4 pm to 6 pm

Voices & Visions – Sensory Writing Workshop + Painting Exhibit

On Tuesday, May 5th, join poet Cynthia Sharp and Canadian artist Naureen Ali for a creative experience that brings together sensory writing and visual art.

This is a free event, taking place at New West Public Library.

May 8, 2026 – 1 pm

Voices of Wellness – Wellness Session in Partnership with Our Village Conversations

On Friday, May 8th, In partnership with Our Village Conversations, this special wellness session at the Maida Duncan Drop-in Centre offers a safe, supportive space for clients to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and one another.

This is a free event, taking place at the Maida Duncan Drop-in Centre. Please note, this session is limited to current EFry clients only.

May 8, 2026

Blue Fryday

On Friday, May 8th, show your support by wearing blue and joining in on “Blue Fryday”, to stand in solidarity and raise awareness of the issues facing women, girls, and gender-diverse people who are at risk, involved in, or affected by the justice system.

Take a photo of yourself, your friends, family, or colleagues wearing blue on Friday, May 8th, and post your images on social media, tagging us @efryvancouver and using the hashtags #BlueFryday and #EFryWeek2026, or send them directly to communications@efry.com.

Proclamations and Messages

Proclamations and Messages in Support of EFry Week 2026