Students and staff at Canora Composite School showed their support for the prevention of bullying by taking part in Red Cross Pink Day at Canora Composite School on February 28.
Pink shirts, and even the odd pink hat, were seen all over the school.
When asked about the importance of Pink Shirt Day, several Grade 9 students were eager to share their thoughts.
“When you come to school and see all the kids and teachers wearing pink, it makes the school feel safer knowing there are people all around you who are against bullying and that you can talk to them whenever you feel the need,” said Emily Owchar. “Bullying happens just about everywhere and I think it is important everyone comes together for one day and participates in Pink Day.”
“Pink shirt day means that we can all stand together against bullying and know that whatever we wear, or look like, we will stand together,” said Maxwell Mydonick. “Pink shirt day means to me that bullying doesn’t stand a chance when we stand together.”Â
“Many people across the world get bullied or are getting bullied. About 85 per cent of bullying takes place in front of others. One in three children report being bullied and one person gets bullied every seven minutes. Bullying is a global issue and it can be prevented. You can help someone today. Actions have impacts. Make yours bold!” said Larissa Makowsky.
 “To me, pink shirt day signifies the start of a new beginning,” said Jacob Danyluk. “Bullying still occurs everywhere, but pink shirt day is a day we embrace that it’s okay to be different.”Â
On February 28, the Red Cross, known as Canada’s leader in bullying prevention education, sent a clear message to youth who witness bullying: “If you can safely stand up and speak out, most of the time you will stop that bullying within 10 seconds.”
Reaching students with the knowledge they need to safely stand up and speak out is the goal of Red Cross Pink Day, presented by K+S Potash Canada in Saskatchewan, said a release from the Red Cross. For each official T-shirt sold, the Canadian Red Cross can reach one student with the information and tools they need to recognize, prevent and safely address bullying behaviour.
The movement also encourages schools, businesses and workplaces across the province to show their support by wearing pink and holding fundraisers, the release said. The program is also supported by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, AGT Foods, Access Communications and Signpatico, all proceeds from Red Cross Pink Day go directly to supporting Red Cross bullying prevention education in the province.
“Bullying is one of the biggest issues facing our kids, and with the influx of social media in their lives, it has become one of the most difficult to address,” said Cindy Fuchs, vice-president of the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan. “By wearing pink today, people are showing their support for those who are going through a difficult situation.”
“K+S Potash Canada is happy to be part of this day because we want to help kids participate in bullying prevention activities and learn to create healthy relationships in their schools and in their communities,” said Sydney Gossard, Communications Specialist, K+S Potash Canada. “Along with the shirts that we’ve provided to youth in our area, our employees at our Bethune mine, in Saskatoon and even in Vancouver will be wearing pink shirts to show our support and share the Pink Day message.”
“Our government is proud to join with the Canadian Red Cross in opposing bullying and supporting inclusion in our schools,” said Gordon Wyant, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education. “Pink Day continues to serve as an important reminder that every child should be treated with respect and dignity. I invite everyone in Saskatchewan to join me in wearing pink and standing up to bullying.”
Half of adult Canadians think youth today have it worse than they did as students, when it comes to bullying, the release said. When youth stand up and speak out against bullying, they are successful in stopping the bullying behaviour over half the time (57 per cent) in about 10 seconds.
After taking Red Cross bullying prevention training, a survey of 700 Canadian students showed that 93 per cent said they will help when they witness someone being bullied or discriminated against (online or in person). For example, they will tell an adult, say something if they felt safe to do so, or will comfort the person being bullied.
All funds raised by Red Cross Pink Day stay in the province to support its bullying prevention education.     Â
