February 28 is “Pink Day” in support of anti-bullying campaign
The Red Cross continues to raise awareness to change the culture of bullying across the community and the City of Moose Jaw has given its full support in promoting this message in the city.
Mayor Fraser Tolmie signed a proclamation on Friday, February 9th showing the City of Moose Jaw’s support for the Red Cross’ Anti-Bullying Campaign, declaring Wednesday, February 28, “Pink Day.” Outreach Coordinator for the Red Cross, Jan Radwanski and his son Jacob joined Mayor Tolmie as he signed the proclamation, donning “Pink Day” t-shirts in support of the campaign.
In signing the proclamation, Mayor Fraser Tolmie highlighted the importance of this campaign and how it can influence change in the community. “This is important for us to think about as a community, whether it is in the class, on social media or on the streets. It is not about just signing a proclamation but emphasizing the importance of this in our community. I appreciate the work that the Red Cross is doing in raising this awareness and getting everyone involved in this campaign.” Radwanski says the Red Cross promotes this campaign all year long but on February 28, the wider community can participate by showing their full support of the anti-bullying campaign. He says education is changing the culture of bullying and he is pleased to see students, as well as the city, becoming facilitators of this initiative. “Red Cross has been a leader across Canada in promoting this awareness and the Pink Day supports the anti-bullying campaign 100 per cent. We all know that bullying is an everyday occurrence, unfortunately, but education is changing it. The number of students that we get to train at the Red Cross makes a huge differ- ence. They become facilitators and leaders in their community, so it is great to see the support from the City of Moose Jaw. We’ve been very active here over the years and we’re going to continue to do that with regards to our education programs.”
According to the Canadian Red Cross, bullying is a major issue facing youth and it affects them physically and mentally. It says that in a recent health survey, almost 2 in 3 students across Saskatchewan experienced bullying in the past year. Red Cross education helps teachers and students to recognize, prevent and address bullying. Red Cross says research indicates that education is the key to preventing bullying.
Persons can participate or show their support for the campaign by purchasing a “Pink Day” t-shirt. You can visit redcross.ca/pinkday to purchase t-shirts. Adult shirts are $20 and $8 for student shirts. You get free delivery and it takes five working days to receive your order. Every shirt sold allows Red Cross to educate another student.