Guest post by Meghan Murphy Valentine’s Day may take centre stage in February, but after the hearts, flowers, and chocolates are passed around, there are a slew of other days to celebrate—and you don’t need to go out and buy a bouquet for any of them. Mother Language Day On Feb. 21, celebrate your mother language! Canada has a diversity of cultures and heritages; honor your language and culture and the language and cultures of others, too. Started by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999, the date of this global celebration marks a tragic day: On Feb. 21, 1952, Dhaka students were shot and killed by police as they demonstrated for recognition of their language. This year, Mother Language Day will be celebrated at Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan University, but organizers invite others to celebrate their languages no matter where they are. For more information visit motherlanguageday.ca. National Day of Kindness On Feb. 21, pass on some kindness! Kin Canada is a 95-year-old service organization that hosts and sponsors events to raise funds for Canadian communities. On this day, club members volunteer their time to help others by packing groceries, giving away free coffee and snacks, making donations within their communities and, generally, spreading cheer. There are 480 clubs across Canada—join one and do a little good in your community. Visit kincanada.ca to find a club near you. National Aviation Day National Aviation Day is Feb. 23! On this day in 1909, the Silver Dart (the first powered, heavier-than-air airplane) flew nearly 800 metres in Baddeck, N.S.—it was the first flight of its kind in Canada. This year, visit Ottawa’s Canada Aviation and Space Museum for National Aviation Day to celebrate Canada’s history of flying. The museum will offer activities such crafts, guided tours and workshops. For a listing of all events visit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum website. National Cupcake Day Feb. 23 is National Cupcake Day! Celebrated across Canada, this sweet occasion raises funds for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Bake your heart out to support animals that have been neglected, abused and abandoned. You can get your workplace or local school involved by hosting a bake sale. Register your bake sale online and all proceeds will go to the SPCA. For more details visit support.ontariospca.ca. Rare Disease Day Feb. 28 is Rare Disease Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for those who are affected by a rare disease.  Since 2008, The Canadian National Alliance and the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders have given a voice to the estimated one in 12 Canadians who are impacted by a rare disease. Last year’s commemoration in Toronto featured the CN Tower lit in a brilliant blue. This year, a bake sale will be held at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa; all money raised will go towards the Rare Disease Foundation. Commemorate the day in your own community by holding a bake sale, an auction or a dinner. Visit rarediseaseday.org for events near you. For other ways to contribute to your community, Canadian Living shows you how small changes can make a difference. FlickrCC/Stacie