Pink Shirt Day 2014: Make Some Noise Against Bullying

Just over a week from now, on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, people all across BC and Canada will be celebrating Pink Shirt Day. It’s the 7th year that the CKNW Orphans’ Fund has been helping to organize the event. Since 2008, over $650,000 has been raised and granted to non-profit organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, Red Cross RespectED Violence Prevention Program and Kids Help Phone. This money is raised through the sale of Pink Shirt Day T-shirts, on sale all month long at London Drugs stores and online at PinkShirtDay.ca.

Celebrate Pink Shirt Day

The campaign isn’t just about raising money – although that’s important. It’s also about raising awareness around bullying. Pink Shirt Day is a great time to talk to your own children about bullying. They need to understand what to do if they are bullied, or witness another child being bullied. They also need to hear the adults in their lives talk about the importance of valuing diversity, and not singling out children who may be a little bit different. When we include everyone, and make some noise against bullying, we’re raising awareness and sending a message that bullying won’t be tolerated.

The goal for this year’s campaign is to sell 90,000 Pink Shirt Day T-shirts, and 20,000 buttons. The net proceeds from these sales will benefit the CKNW Orphans’ Fund in support of anti-bullying programs in BC. If you’ve experienced bullying, you can share your story on the Pink Shirt Day website. You can also participate by wearing pink, and participating in or organizing an anti-bullying events. There are some really delicious local events – for example, Take Five Café will have pink cupcakes in all their locations, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has amazing pink apples from now until February 26, 2014. As well, Cartems Donuterie is selling delicious pink lemonade donuts. To find more ideas for what to do in Vancouver on Pink Shirt Day, visit the Pink Shirt Day website.

Build a Richer Future for Youth

Coast Capital Savings, a large supporter and presenting sponsor of Pink Shirt Day, is incredibly passionate about the cause. Wendy Lachance, Director, Community Leadership says, “Our community promise is to help build a richer future for youth. One of the ways we do this is by helping youth and children belong in their family, school and community. By supporting anti-bullying initiatives, like Pink Shirt Day, Coast Capital Savings is helping teach kindness and respect, attributes that are important in helping build belonging.”

Simi Sara will once again champion this year’s campaign on CNKW. She will be joined by an all-star community cast including London Drugs, the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union and HootSuite. Media personalities and local celebrities who support the cause include Vancouver Canucks captain Henrik Sedin, comedian Brent Butt, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and musician Sarah McLachlan.