Every year on November 21, people across #Canada come together to celebrate #NationalRedMittensDay, a #heartwarming occasion dedicated to showing solidarity with #CanadianOlympic athletes. The iconic #red #mittens are more than just #winter wear — they symbolize #hope, #unity, #generosity, and #national pride. Through this simple #gesture, #citizens express their support for #athletes who work #tirelessly to represent the #nation on the #world stage. National Red Mitten Day reminds #Canadians that sometimes even the smallest #act — like #wearing a pair of #mittens — can #inspire #greatness.
History of Red Mitten Day
National Red Mitten Day officially began in 2017, when the day was formally recognized and proclaimed for national observance. However, the story of the red mitten stretches back further, beginning with the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
In the buildup to the Games, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) introduced its now-iconic red mittens as part of Team Canada’s Olympic clothing collection. The design, featuring bold red fabric and a maple leaf symbol, instantly captured the hearts of Canadians. The mittens quickly became a beloved emblem of national pride.
As their popularity grew, HBC began donating a portion of each mitten sale to the Canadian Olympic Foundation to support athletes in training, coaching, nutrition, and equipment. Millions of dollars have been raised through this initiative. Seeing the unity and positive impact generated by the mittens, HBC and national organizers established November 21 as National Red Mitten Day in 2017, turning a simple winter accessory into a movement of support and generosity.
Importance of Red Mitten Day
National Red Mitten Day holds deep importance for several reasons:
1. Symbol of National Unity
Wearing red mittens allows Canadians of all ages to participate in a collective celebration of national pride and togetherness.
2. Support for Athletes
A part of each mitten sale goes directly to the Canadian Olympic Foundation. This financial support helps athletes excel by providing training, equipment, coaching, and medical support.
3. Reminder of Canada’s Olympic Spirit
The red mittens originated from the memorable 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and their continued use keeps the spirit of that historic moment alive.
4. Economic and Social Impact
The tradition encourages fundraising, community involvement, and winter-season celebrations across Canada.
5. Cultural Identity
Red mittens have become an unmistakable symbol of Canadian generosity, warmth, and strength.
When National Red Mitten Day Is Celebrated
National Red Mitten Day is celebrated every year on November 21.
This specific date was chosen because:
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It falls at the beginning of the Canadian winter season, when mittens become essential.
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It aligns well with the winter sports season and Olympic cycles.
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The timing helps build excitement and community support for athletes preparing for the Winter Olympics.
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November 21 was officially declared as the day during its 2017 proclamation, creating a consistent annual observance.
Significance of National Red Mitten Day
National Red Mitten Day is significant because:
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It highlights Canada’s commitment to encouraging excellence in sports.
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It helps raise millions of dollars for Olympic athletes through mitten sales.
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It transforms an ordinary winter accessory into a national symbol.
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It inspires millions of Canadians to show pride and unity.
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It strengthens the bond between citizens and their national sports teams.
Why National Red Mitten Day Is Celebrated
The day is celebrated to:
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Support Canadian Olympic athletes financially and emotionally.
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Raise funds for the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
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Promote national pride by encouraging Canadians to wear matching red mittens.
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Continue a beloved tradition started during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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Celebrate a symbol that represents generosity, community, and unity.
How National Red Mitten Day Is Celebrated
Celebrations typically include:
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Wearing red mittens at school, work, or outdoors.
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Buying new red mittens, with proceeds supporting future Olympians.
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Sharing photos on social media using hashtags like #NationalRedMittensDay or #RedMittenDay.
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Participating in school or community events, where volunteers promote mitten sales and Olympic awareness.
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Organizing fundraisers to support Canadian athletes.
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Engaging children through storytelling about famous Canadian Olympians.
Where Red Mitten Day Is Celebrated
National Red Mitten Day is celebrated across Canada, including:
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British Columbia
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Ontario
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Alberta
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Quebec
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Manitoba
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Saskatchewan
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Northern territories
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Maritime provinces
Although the tradition is heavily Canadian, many supporters around the world also wear red mittens in solidarity.
How Citizens Make the Celebration a Success
Citizens contribute to the success of National Red Mitten Day by:
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Purchasing red mittens for themselves and loved ones.
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Wearing the mittens visibly to spread awareness.
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Sharing photos and encouraging friends and family to join the celebration.
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Hosting community events and fundraisers.
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Educating young people about the importance of supporting national athletes.
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Volunteering in mitten distribution activities.
Every citizen’s participation adds warmth—both literally and figuratively—to the celebration.
Theme for National Red Mitten Day 2025
Theme 2025: “Together We Wear Red, Together We Rise.”
This theme highlights unity, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of uplifting Canadian athletes.
10 Famous Quotes for National Red Mitten Day
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“In every red mitten lies the warmth of a nation’s hope.”
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“Our strength grows when our hands join together in red.”
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“A red mitten is more than fabric—it’s a symbol of national pride.”
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“Wearing red mittens is a small act that creates a big impact.”
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“Support, like warmth, begins with the hands.”
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“With every pair of mittens sold, an athlete’s dream grows stronger.”
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“Red mittens turn winter days into moments of unity.”
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“Pride is stitched into every red mitten worn across Canada.”
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“Together in red, we stand behind every Canadian athlete.”
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“Hold hope, wear pride—wear the red mitten.”
FAQs on National Red Mitten Day
1. What is National Red Mitten Day?
It is a celebration held on November 21 to support Canadian Olympic athletes by wearing and purchasing red mittens.
2. When did National Red Mitten Day start?
It officially started in 2017.
3. Who created National Red Mitten Day?
The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) initiated the red mitten tradition and helped formalize the day.
4. Why is the day celebrated on November 21?
It marks the official proclamation date and falls early in winter when mittens are widely used.
5. How does buying red mittens help athletes?
A portion of each purchase goes to the Canadian Olympic Foundation, which funds athlete training and support.
6. Are the red mittens only for Canadians?
The tradition is Canadian, but anyone worldwide can wear them in support.
7. What do the red mittens symbolize?
Unity, generosity, community spirit, and support for athletes.
8. Is National Red Mitten Day a public holiday?
No, it is a commemorative and fundraising day, not an official holiday.
9. Can children participate in Red Mitten Day?
Yes—children are encouraged to participate through school activities and mitten-wearing.
10. How much money has been raised through the Red Mitten campaign?
Millions of dollars have been raised to support Canadian Olympic athletes.
11. Where can red mittens be bought?
They are available at Hudson’s Bay stores and other participating retailers.
12. How can I celebrate if I don’t have red mittens?
You can participate by sharing awareness posts, supporting athlete programs, or purchasing mittens online.
13. Can I donate directly to the Canadian Olympic Foundation?
Yes, citizens can contribute through direct donations as well.
14. Are there different designs of red mittens?
Yes, new designs are often introduced every year, keeping the tradition fresh.
15. Do Canadians outside the country celebrate it?
Many Canadians abroad proudly wear red mittens on November 21 to show unity.
Conclusion
National Red Mitten Day beautifully captures the spirit of Canadian unity, generosity, and athletic pride. Each year on November 21, people across the country—and even beyond—come together to support their athletes through a simple yet powerful gesture: wearing red mittens. This tradition, originating from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and formalized in 2017, continues to warm hearts and strengthen communities. As Canadians wear their red mittens, they not only embrace the winter season but also uplift the dreams of athletes striving to reach the global stage. Together we wear red, and together we rise.
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My name is Subhajit Bhattacharya , I am a Instrumentatin Engineer and working as a content writer for this site, All the information of this site is only for educational purpose.
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