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In the Pink

Pipestone Flyer

    “A second order of 500 pink rubber wrist bands and over 300 pink shirts sold to new participating businesses and agencies confirms what we already know about this community. Wetaskiwin, Millet and area, cares.” This was the announcement on February 13th by the Pink Shirt Day Committee that shows community support for Pink Shirt Day.

    February 27th is Pink Shirt Day 2013. The Pink Shirt Committee believes that by encouraging wearing of pink shirts and pink rubber wrist bands the anti-bullying message will spread. There will be increased awareness stressing that bullying will not be tolerated in our community schools, our playgrounds, our businesses, our homes or on our streets.  Historically, pink has always been a symbol of femininity. So much so that in-the-past people felt it was unacceptable for a ‘real man’ to wear pink. Still, on Pink Shirt Day, February 29, 2012 more than 750 supporters throughout Wetaskiwin and region adorned pink t-shirts.

    In the fall of 2007, two young men in a Nova Scotia school became aware of a grade 9 student who had been bullied for wearing a pink polo shirt to school.  Instead of retaliating with violence, these remarkable young men went to their local dollar store and purchased 50 pink shirts, distributing them in their high school.  This simple act of kindness garnered the attention of many.  From their actions  “Pink Shirt Day” was born,  which now takes place on the last Wednesday of February each year across Canada, United States and throughout the world.

    There is no simple solution to bullying.  No one program or approach will prevent bullying.  It takes a community effort to prevent and stop bullying in our community.   If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone about bullying, advise them to talk to a parent, school counsellor, their boss, or someone that they trust.   All parents are urged to talk to their children about bullying on Facebook, email, cell phones and the internet. 

    The Wetaskiwin and Millet Pink Shirt Day Committee and the HUB will be presenting a free cyber-bulling presentation for parents and professionals at C.B. McMurdo School on Tuesday, February 26th from 6:30 pm to 7:30pm.     The presentation will focus on the importance of teaching and talking to youth about internet safety and establishing boundaries online.  Additionally, presenters will discuss the vulnerability of youth online and laws relevant to internet crimes like cyber-bulling.    

    The local Pink Shirt Day Committee is urging everyone to wear something pink on February 27th to help raise awareness that bullying will not be tolerated in our schools, playgrounds, workplace, home, and businesses.    The Committee’s new website, which can be reached through two web addresses,  www.pinkshirtwetaskiwin.com or www.pinkshirtmillet.com,  has useful resources for students, parents, teachers, seniors as well as employees/employers on workplace bullying.  The Pink Shirt Day T-shirt Order form is now available on the website,  or orders can be placed by calling the Boys and Girls Club at 780-352-4643 ext. 32 or ext. 39.  T-shirts are $10 each and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.