North East Outreach & Support Services (NEOSS) is sharing what Pink Shirt Day is all about.
Feb. 22 marks the annual Pink Shirt Day, a time when youth across the country are encouraged to wear pink to raise awareness about bullying.
Jennifer Peterson, an administrator with NEOSS, told NortheastNOW that this day was created by the youth for the youth.
“Pink Shirt Day was started in 2007 in Canada by students who were standing up for another student that was being bullied, harassed, and threatened for wearing pink.”
Along with teaching children the dangers of bullying and how to stand up for their fellow classmates, Peterson explained it also teaches youth there is always a safe space to turn to.
“There’s always somebody that has your back. It may not seem like it all the time, but there is. It’s just a matter of finding the right people.”
In Melfort, the safe space where youth may find an outlet is Melfort Youth Evolution, a program run by youth with the help of an adult ally.
Melfort Youth Evolution is a group within NEOSS and consists of individuals that want to see change as it offers a safe space for youth to feel heard and respected.
“They get themselves out into the community to bring these topics to the forefront of people’s minds and hope that we can join together. Create that change.”
The Pink Shirt Day project this year was cookies with all proceeds raised going to help programming and initiatives for Melfort Youth Evolution.
As for adults, Peterson said that we have a responsibility to protect and support struggling youth.
“As a group of voices, we’re stronger and we will eventually create waves and create the changes that need to happen.”
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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @RachelMayFM
