Putting Privacy First: Data Privacy Week 2025
Data Privacy Week takes place from January 27 to 31 this year, serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal data. The 2025 theme, “Put Privacy First,” highlights the need for all of us to take steps to safeguard our privacy both online and offline.
The Government of Canada identifies fraud as the number one crime against older Canadians. While people of all ages can fall victim, older individuals are targeted more often. They are often home during the day to answer the door or phone, can be more trusting, and may not have family or friends nearby to seek advice.
VON takes privacy seriously
At VON, we take privacy seriously and are committed to safeguarding the personal data of those we serve while maintaining their trust in us as healthcare providers.
To protect personal data and prevent privacy breaches, we must all ensure that we are following best practices in all of our interactions. This includes using strong, unique passwords for work accounts, being vigilant about unsolicited calls or messages, and always verifying the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information. Regularly monitoring accounts and enabling two-factor authentication adds extra layers of protection.
If you have questions about how to handle personal information, you can contact the official Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Directorate for general privacy support by calling (819) 997-4274 or by email aiprp-atip@crtc.gc.ca
Use caution when personal information is being requested
Please be vigilant when persons claiming to be from VON request personal information or solicit donations via phone, text, or door-to-door visits. VON will never ask for donations in this manner. If we need to contact a client or donor to verify personal information or banking details, we will always provide a name, title and clear contact information so the client or donor can independently verify the legitimacy of the request by calling or emailing VON.
As we celebrate Data Privacy Week, together we can uphold the highest standards of privacy and data security in every aspect of our work. For more information on VON’s privacy practices, please visit von.ca/privacy.
If you have any questions about VON’s fundraising practices, contact us at fd@von.ca, or for privacy inquiries, email privacy.officer@von.ca. Let’s prioritize privacy this week and every day!
