Starting this week, you may notice some Alberta landmarks glowing blue as they light up across the province for a really good cause.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Canadian Prostate Cancer Foundation will be embarking on the Light Up in Blue campaign all September long.
Some landmarks will be lit for just a day, while others will be lit for a period of time. The campaign actually takes place across all of Canada.
According to the campaign’s website, over 120 Canadian landmarks will shine blue to help raise awareness about the importance of scheduling annual prostate exams to ensure early detection.
Alberta landmarks being lit blue in September
A total of 13 Alberta landmarks will be lit up this September.
- Suncor Energy Centre Fort McMurray – all month
- West Edmonton Mall columns – all month
- Strathcona County/Sherwood Park – Sept. 1 to 29
- Calgary Tower – Sept. 4
- Red Deer – Sept. 5
- Calgary Airport YYC – Sept. 7 to 26
- Alberta Legislature Government House – Sept. 8
- Reconciliation Bridge (tentative) – Sept. 11, 12, 18, and 20
- Lethbridge City Hall – Sept. 19
- Grande Prairie Centre 2000 – Sept. 20 to 28
- Sylvan Lake Lighthouse – Sept. 20 to 26
- Epcor Tower Edmonton – Sept. 25
- High Level Bridge Edmonton – Sept. 25
You can also see a full map on the official campaign website.
Why blue, though?
According to the campaign, the colour blue has always been associated with boys and men, “which aligns with prostate cancer primarily affecting males; it embodies hope, compassion, and unity in the face of the most prevalent cancer in men,” the campaign states.
It adds, “Blue represents the empowerment and solidarity of the patients, partners, and loved ones affected by prostate cancer, and the commitment of our community to providing support, resources, and advocacy.”
With files from Amir Ali