February 11 is 211 day
February 11 is 211 Day
Annually on February 11, Canadians come together to celebrate 211 Day (2/11) —a day dedicated to raising awareness about the 211 service and its vital role in supporting communities across the country. This year, on February 11, over 60 landmarks nationwide will illuminate in red for United Glow and 211 partners and staff from across Canada will unite in raising awareness and inspiring action through social media, advocating for sustained funding with all levels of government and hosting community events.
What is 211?
211 is a free, confidential service that provides everyone in Canada with easy access to information about essential government and community services. By simply dialing or texting 2-1-1, individuals are connected to a trained Resource Navigator who can offer information about local supports such as:
· food banks and communal meal programs
· income assistance programs
· legal resources
· support for mental health and addictions (counselling services)
· housing options including emergency shelters
· support for seniors, newcomers, and much more.
Available 24/7 and offering support in over 150 languages, help starts with 211. Visit 211.ca for information about your local 211.
Why is 211 Important?
Every year, 211 connects over 2 million Canadians to the help they need most.
In difficult times, people often don’t know where to turn for assistance. 211 serves as a lifeline, directing individuals to the appropriate services before they reach the point of crisis.
In 2023, 602,834 contacts made by phone, text, chat and email were answered by the 211 service, and 686,000 requests for support were handled by 211 Community Navigators. Housing and shelter were the top needs expressed in contacts with the 211 services followed by mental health supports.
211’s aggregated data also provides valuable information for decision-makers and program developers about top needs and service gaps in communities across the country.
For example, in the first half of 2024, housing and shelter resources accounted for 28% of the unmet needs identified in contacts to 211, while mental health resources accounted for 8% of the unmet needs. Unmet needs reflect a lack of local services to meet callers’ needs or a lack of capacity from the sector to respond to the level of need in a community. Information like this can help inform where further resources can be invested to make sure that people can access the support they need when they are faced with life’s challenges. These statistics can be customized to reflect regional data.
United Glow 2025: Illuminating Canada in Red
A key feature of 211 Day is United Glow, a nationwide initiative where landmarks, monuments, and buildings across Canada illuminate in red to symbolize that no one should face their struggles alone. This year, over 60 locations will shine brightly in support of 211.
You can get involved by visiting a participating landmark on February 11, snapping a photo, and sharing it on social media with the hashtags #211DayCanada, #UnitedGlow, and #HelpStartsHere.
United Glow Participants 2025
BC
Burnaby - BC Parkway
Burnaby - City Hall
Kelowna - Visitor Centre
Ladysmith - City Hall
Parksville - Civic and Technology Centre
Port Coquitlam - City Hall
Port Moody - City Hall
Quesnel - Fraser River Footbridge
Trail - Victoria Street Bridge
Vancouver - BC Place, The Northern Lights Display
Vancouver - Burrard Street Bridge
Vancouver - Canada Place, Sails of Light
Vancouver - City Hall
Vancouver - Pacific Coliseum - PNE
Vancouver - Science World
Victoria - BC Parliament Buildings, Ceremonial Entrance and Fountains
Victoria - Confederation Garden Park Fountain and Waterfall
White Rock - White Rock Pier
Alberta
Calgary – Calgary Tower
Calgary - Telus Spark Science Centre
Edmonton – High Level Bridge
Edmonton – Legislature Building
Grande Prairie –Grande Prairie Sundial
Lethbridge – Lethbridge City Hall
Red Deer – Red Deer City Hall
Ontario
Belleville - Bridge Street Bridge
Belleville - Fire Station 1 Memorial
Belleville - BELLEVILLE sign
Brampton – Brampton City Hall Clock Tower
Collingwood – Clock - Tower and CWOOD sign at municipal building
Kingston – City Hall
Kingston – Springer Market Square
Mississippi Mills - Almonte Old Town Hall
Mississauga – Clock Tower at Mississauga Civic Centre
Newmarket – Fred A. Lundy Bridge & Riverwalk Commons
Niagara – Niagara Falls
Sudbury - The Big Nickel
Sudbury- Peace Tower
Toronto – CN Tower
Toronto – 3D Toronto Sign
Vaughan – Vaughan City Hall
Quebec
Montreal - Olympic Stadium
New Brunswick
Bathurst – Tour de la Promenade Waterfront Tower
Edmundston – Hôtel de Ville
Grand Bay-Westfield – Veterans Peace Park
Moncton – Downtown Place
Moncton – Downing Street
Moncton – Ian Fowler Oval
Moncton - Southeast Regional Service Commission
Shippagan – Hôtel de Ville
Halifax – Halifax City Hall - scheduled but currently being repaired, not guaranteed to be fixed in time.
Halifax – Nova Scotia Legislature
Sydney – City Hall
Sydney – Port Authority
Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown - Shaw building
Charlottetown – Confederation Center of Arts
Charlottetown – The Arts Hotel
Charlottetown – Mi'Kmaq Confederacy of PEI
Charlottetown – Founders Hall
Stratford – Town Hall
Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's - St. John's City Hall
Mount Pearl – Mount Pearl City Hall
Clarenville - Elizabeth Swan Park
Clarenville - Bare Mountain
In addition to the long list of United Glow participants, community leaders across the country show their support by making proclamations at municipal or county council, having flag raising ceremonies or otherwise formally recognizing the day. Community champions raise awareness of 211 as a critical service for their residents to access the help they need to live well, something everyone can get behind!
How can you help?
We can only help others if they know that we are here. Help spread the word about this essential service by sharing our posts on social media, taking a picture in front of a United Glow monument on 211 Day, or telling two friends or family about 211. Ask them to do the same and keep the momentum going.
