Pipestone Flyer
Next Wednesday don't be too surprised if you see a grader operator rumbling through town in his massive machine sporting a pink t-shirt. City of Leduc employees are being encouraged to show off their inner strength by supporting Pink Shirt Day. Feb. 26th is the Nationally recognized day to stand up against bullying.
This day has been set aside to recognize the negative impact that bullying, in its many forms, has had on people. This movement began in 2007 by David Shepherd and Travis Price, two teenage boys who were students in Nova Scotia's Central Kings Rural High School. David and Travis objected to the bullying of another student for wearing a pink shirt to school so the boys went to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops and had all their friends wear them at school the next day in support of the bullied youth. Reportedly that bully was never heard from again.
Recognizing that bullying can take many forms (physical, mental, emotional, cyber-bullying) and is not restricted to schools but can happen at home, in the workplace, or online as well, the City of Leduc has actively joined into this year's campaign to help prevent bullying by creating an internal challenge for all City employees who choose to take part in Pink Shirt Day.
In an email sent out by the City announcing their participation in Pink Shirt Day they stated "As leaders, we must initiate change in our own community by sending a message that bullying isn’t accepted – AND ensure supports are in place to help those who are bullied."
Sadly, there have been many stories in recent years that document the tragic endings of people who were bullied. Pink Shirt Day gives a voice to people who sometimes feel they do not have one and it sends a message that as a society we will not tolerate bullying anywhere.
So if Pink Shirt Day speaks to you then begin a movement wherever you are. Encourage your co-workers to wear pink shirts next Wednesday to support anti-bullying. If you are a student, go to the Pink Shirt Day website at www.pinkshirtday.ca, print off some information and take it to your school and get everyone there involved. Show your inner strength with your outer appearance. On Feb. 26th be tough enough to wear pink.