Mayor Dan Curtis has proclaimed October to be the United Way Month.

Curtis made the proclamation at city council’s meeting on Monday.

The United Way kicks off its annual fundraising month every October, the mayor pointed out.

“It takes every part of the community – individuals, businesses, governments and organizations – to supply the passion, expertise and resources needed to create lasting change that improves lives and builds stronger communities,” said Curtis.

“The United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for everyone, providing leadership and promoting volunteerism in all segments of the community, and providing funding for local programs that help improve our quality of life.”

The mayor made two other proclamations on Monday.

Friday, he proclaimed, is Yukon Sisters in Spirit Vigil and Red Dress Campaign Day.

For more than 40 years, the Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council has advocated for the rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people in the Yukon and northern B.C., the mayor noted in his proclamation.

“The annual Yukon Sisters in Spirit Event highlights the ongoing issue of violence towards Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people, and also honours victims and families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” he said.

“The Red Dress Campaign is a public art installation to honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by hanging empty red dresses in a range of environments,” he said.

“Yukon has 42 missing and murdered women and girls, and hanging 42 empty Red Dresses will mark the absence of these women so we can’t forget that they are gone.”

Curtis also proclaimed Oct. 6-Oct. 10 as Fire Prevention Week.

The national initiative is designed to raise awareness about fire safety, he said.

Curtis said this year’s theme is Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen, as blazes in the kitchen remain one of the leading causes of home fires and fire-related injuries.

“Fire Prevention Week aims to educate people about the simple but important things they can do to keep themselves and those around them safe in their kitchens and homes,” he said.