The Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation (CANAAF) is a national registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and adults affected by alopecia areata across Canada. Founded in 2008–2010 by parents seeking better support for their children, CANAAF has grown into a volunteer-led organization that combines peer support, education, advocacy and targeted financial assistance.
Role of CANAAF in the funding ecosystem
Beyond emotional and informational support, CANAAF plays a direct funding role. The CANAAF Heads Up Fund is a financial assistance program that helps individuals with alopecia areata purchase a hair piece, with each application reviewed by the Board of Directors and support available up to $750. The organization also operates a Wig Lending Library, providing new or gently used donated wigs on loan to people in Canada who want to try a wig before investing in one.
Donations and community fundraising efforts are channelled into education and resources to address daily challenges, research toward improved diagnosis, treatment and care, and public awareness campaigns that empower people living with alopecia areata. Through conferences, research updates and curated research articles, CANAAF helps connect patients and caregivers to the latest scientific developments.
Publics accompanied and overall impact
CANAAF supports a wide range of audiences: young children, teens, adults and parents. It offers local and national support groups, a structured mentorship program that pairs mentees with experienced volunteers, and an annual three-day summer conference where families can learn, share experiences and build community. National support events are offered in both English and French, reflecting the organization’s pan-Canadian mandate.
History and governance
Born from a grassroots picnic gathering in Toronto, CANAAF held its first Board meeting in 2009 and became a registered charity in 2010. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes roles for fundraising, public relations, research and francophone liaison, ensuring community-informed priorities. Over time, representation has expanded across multiple provinces, with the goal of establishing support groups in every Canadian province and territory.
Through its blend of peer support, awareness-building, research fundraising and direct financial and in-kind assistance, CANAAF has become a key pillar in the national support network for the alopecia areata community.