Ten years ago two Nova Scotia teens decided to take a stand against bullying and their message is still being heard today. February 27 is Pink Shirt Day which is now being marked around the globe. The focus of this year’s campaign is cyberbullying.
PinkShirtDay.ca says the movement was started by David Shepherd, Travis Price and their friends after they witnesses another student at their school being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Since 2008, over $1.8 million have been distributed to support youth anti-bullying programs in British Columbia and throughout Western Canada. In 2017 alone more than 59,300 youth and children were helped.
The Province of Alberta supports the message and offers a 24 hour support line for bullying victims. Minister of Community and Social Services Irfran Sabir says he will be wearing pink on Wednesday.
“We will stand up against bullying and make our communities safer for everyone. We all benefit when we embrace diversity, welcome differences and promote understanding.”
Last year students at Grande Prairie Composite High School put together a video to mark the day.
Students plan to mark the day again this year.
.#PinkShirtDay is tomorrow! Remember to wear PINK.
2018 awareness is about cyber bullying. #GPPSD schools will run different activities to show their support & stand against all kinds of bullying.#GPab#GPEd#AbEd#PinkShirtPromise#GPPSDPinkShirtDay#PinkItForward#NoToBullyingpic.twitter.com/OOJBMJAYU0
— Grande Prairie PSD (@GPPSD2357) February 27, 2018