Frost from Okotoks residents’ windows may be replaced with a hue of pink this week in an effort to say no to bullying.
The Okotoks Western Wheel is running a campaign in which residents are invited to display Pink Shirt Day t-shirt posters in their windows to promote anti-bullying.
Pink Shirt Day began in 2007, when students at a Nova Scotia high school rallied in support of one of their peers who had been teased for his bright fashion statement.
David Shepherd, Travis Price and their friend wore pink to support a Grade 9 who had earlier been bullied for wearing a pink shirt school to school, according to the Pink Shirt Day website.
Since that initial protest Pink Shirt Day has exploded into a nation-wide campaign which has resulted in students, clubs, and community members donning the bright colour to take a stand against bullying.
Since 2008, net proceeds of over $2.55 million have been distributed to support youth anti-bullying throughout Western Canada, stated the Pink Day website..
In 2020 alone, the Pink Shirt Day organization was able to support programs that impacted more than 59,000 youth and children.
In the Okotoks area, students at schools have traditionally worn pink to celebrate the day and to stress the importance of treating people with respect.
The Okotoks Western Wheel is asking for residents to post the poster in their windows starting Feb. 17. PInk Shirt Day is Feb. 24.
The Wheel will have a Pink Shirt Day supplement on Feb. 24, concerning bullying and its impact.
The Wheel is donating 15 per cent of any of the proceeds raised from the campaign to Inclusion Foothills.
Inclusion Foothills mission is “to provide advocacy and support for individuals with pan disability and their families/guardians so they may, enjoy all rights, responsibilities, and benefits of citizenship; be valued and included as equal/valued citizens and be free of discrimination,” stated its website.
Inclusion Foothills serves the entire Foothills region.
