On Tuesday, October 24, 2024, thousands of Canadians came together for the seventh annual Hats for Hope campaign, a national day of awareness that shines a light on the impact of brain cancer. Each day in Canada, 27 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour, and for eight of them, the diagnosis is brain cancer.

What began in 2019 as a social media movement has grown into a powerful and heartfelt tradition. Each fall, people across the country don toques and, more recently, hoodies, in a visible show of solidarity for all those affected by brain cancer. Together, we raise awareness, honour those we’ve lost, and support those still fighting.

Campaign highlights

This year, the campaign saw incredible support from coast to coast. Thanks to our generous community:

• We sold a total of 1,554 items, including 966 toques and 588 hoodies and crew necks.
• Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we received approximately $16,000 in donations, along with a $10,000 contribution from our generous partner, New Era Grafix—bringing our total to over $26,000 raised!
• Over 30 influencers amplified the message on social media, helping us reach thousands more.

Proceeds from Hats for Hope go directly to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, supporting life-changing research, support programs, and resources for people living with a brain tumour diagnosis.

A special thank you to our ambassador

We’re especially grateful to our 2024 campaign ambassador, Stephen Eustáquio, Vice-Captain of the Men’s National Soccer Team. Stephen and the entire team helped elevate the campaign, spreading the word and helping us reach new audiences.

Voices of influence who amplified the cause

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many public figures who used their voice to help raise awareness, including:

• Paul Sun-Hyung Lee – Actor
• Kaitlyn Lawes – Olympian
• Alex Liang – Real Estate Agent
• Alli Walker – Country Singer and Songwriter
• Ashlyn Renneberg – Paralympian
• Chris Hadfield – Retired Astronaut and Writer
• Amanda Lynn Mayhew – TV Show Host
• Ellie Black – Olympian
• Bruno Guglielminetti – Podcaster
• Mylène St-Sauveur – Actor
• Mario Tessier – Radio Host and Comedian
• Logan Gauthier – Hockey Player
• Alan Cross – Radio Host and Podcaster
• Ronda Head – Indigenous Singer and Grammy Nominee
• Sarah Smith – Singer
• Trish Rainone – Actress
• Vivian Hicks – Singer
• Amanda Ruller – Football Coach
• Justin Kripps – Olympian
• The Melisizwe Brothers – Singers
• Benjamin Hollingsworth – Actor
• Chase Varnes – Singer
• Angelo Iacono – Member of Parliament for Alfred–Pellan, Que.
• Ginette Petitpas Taylor – Minister of Veterans Affairs of Canada
• Chantal Petitclerc – Paralympian Gold Medalist and Canadian Senator
• And more!

Your voices helped spread hope and awareness to every corner of the country.

United by hope

On Brain Cancer Awareness Day, social media was filled with messages of strength, unity, and compassion. From classrooms to workplaces to living rooms, people proudly wore their #HatsforHope and #HoodiesforHope, sharing selfies in support of the brain cancer community. It was a beautiful reminder that no one faces this journey alone.

To everyone who purchased a toque or hoodie, posted a photo, donated, or helped spread the word — thank you! Your support fuels our mission and brings hope to those who need it most.

Stay tuned for new Hats for Hope items coming next fall!