NORTH GRENVILLE, ON – Wednesday, February 22nd marks Pink Shirt Day in Canada – a day to raise awareness about bullying and exclusion as we aim to foster children’s healthy self-esteem in our community by promoting kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
“Everyone has a right to be treated with respect and to feel safe. Pink Shirt Day is a day we can celebrate and promote kindness, diversity and inclusion,” emphasized Mayor Nancy Peckford.
Pink Shirt Day was inspired by an act of kindness in Nova Scotia, where two boys organized a high school protest to wear pink in support of a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied (for wearing pink). Overnight, the boys who witnessed the bullying rallied dozens of other students to show up the next day wearing a pink shirt as a way to stand up and stop the bullying. In recognition of the act of kindness, Pink Shirt Day was born. National Pink Shirt/Anti-bullying Day is recognized across Canada on the last Wednesday in February.
Bullying is a form of aggression that can happen in many forms physical, verbal, social or cyber, and can happen at school, sports, work or even at home.
The reality is one in five students are affected by bullying. This can sometimes result in longstanding emotional issues, including anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression depending on the severity and duration of the experience.
“We have heard stories from some of the youth in North Grenville who have experienced bullying. The Rainbow Youth Alliance was formed to help create a safe and accepting environment where youth can build confidence and grow free of judgement,” said Melissa Button, co-founder of North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance.
“Our children and youth deserve to grow up in a world where they are valued and celebrated to be their true authentic selves. We are fortunate to live in a very caring community in North Grenville. Council will be wearing pink on February 22nd to help raise awareness and show our support for anti-bullying,” added Mayor Peckford.
For more information visit: www.pinkshirtday.ca/
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Community Supports and Mental Health Resources:
Family & Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds, & Grenville (FCSLLG) 1-855-667-2726 www.fcsllg.ca
Kemptville Youth Centre www.kyc.team
Connect Youth www.connectyouth.ca
Kids Help Phone (24 Hours) 1-800-668-6868 | TEXT 686868 | www.kidshelpphone.ca
Kemptville Stress Relief Centre https://ksrc.ca/
North Grenville Pride https://www.ngpride.ca/
North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance https://northgrenvillerainbowyouthalliance.com/
Parent’s Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (PLEO) www.pleo.on.ca
