TORONTO, March 20, 2026 – Arthritis Society Canada has announced the recipients of its 2025–2026 Community Action Grants, supporting community-driven initiatives that strengthen connection, promote health equity and improve access to arthritis resources in underserved regions across the country.
This year, four community-led projects have been awarded up to $5,000 each to deliver solutions that foster inclusion, belonging and support for people with or at risk of arthritis and their caregivers. These initiatives offer practical, culturally relevant programs to help participants access trusted arthritis information and build meaningful support networks within their own communities.
“Our Community Action Grants are about removing barriers – whether geographic, cultural, financial or informational – and addressing the unique needs of people with arthritis in underserved communities,” said Dr. Siân Bevan, Chief Science Officer at Arthritis Society Canada. “When people have access to knowledge programs and meaningful connection, they are better equipped to take control of their arthritis.”
The four projects reflect the diverse realities of people navigating arthritis across Canada. Each initiative is rooted in local knowledge and shaped by the needs of the communities it serves.
Detailed descriptions of each project are available below:
Arthrite & Mouvement CCR – Bouger sans douleur (Arthritis & Movement CCR – Move Without Pain), Laval, Québec
This initiative, led by the Centre Communautaire du Renouveau de Laval, aims to reduce pain and isolation, and increase the independence of people living with arthritis in Laval and surrounding area – prioritizing low-income individuals, newcomers to Canada, and Black communities. The program will be offered in French and English, with support in Haitian Creole, and will feature regular educational workshops, arthritis-friendly physical activity sessions, and support groups that foster social connection among participants.
SSUC Chair Yoga, Edmonton, Alberta
This program, led by Spiritual Seekers United in Community (Southminster-Steinhauer United Church), will provide safe, inclusive chair yoga for people living with and at risk of arthritis – prioritizing members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, low-income individuals, and people living with disabilities in addition to arthritis. The program will offer two low-barrier chair yoga classes each week with opportunities for social connection among participants.
Vivir con Movimiento (Living with Movement), Vancouver, British Columbia
Led by the Latincouver Cultural and Business Society, this program is a designed to support Latin American seniors living with or at risk of arthritis. The program delivered in Spanish and English will combine educational workshops with movement and mobility sessions. To reduce social isolation, each session will include opportunities for the participants to connect with each other. The program will also include arthritis awareness activities, including a Spanish language campaign during Arthritis Awareness Month in September.
Move and Thrive, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
This initiative, led by Spinal Cord Injury PEI, is designed to improve arthritis self-management, promote social connections, and enhance the quality of life for participants. We are excited to fund this program for a second year to support its expansion to Alberton, Summerside, and Stratford, in addition to their existing offerings in Montague and Tyne Valley. The program will feature weekly seated fitness classes and educational workshops and awareness-raising events including a World Arthritis Day campaign in October.
About Arthritis Society Canada
Arthritis Society Canada represents more than six million people in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free from the agony of arthritis. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca.
Media Contact:
Jenny Ng
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Media
Arthritis Society Canada
[email protected]
416-455-1182
