Released on April 1, 2015
Education Minister Don Morgan has proclaimed April 1, 2015, as Red Cross Day of Pink to raise awareness around bullying issues in Saskatchewan and to encourage others to speak out against discrimination, violence and abuse.“It is important that all youth feel safe and supported in their schools and communities, and Saskatchewan students are leading the province in taking a stand against bullying,” Morgan said. “This important work requires the support of community organizations like the Red Cross, and I am grateful for their dedication to this cause.”
In 2007, a high school student in Nova Scotia was bullied because he wore a pink shirt. The next day, two other students brought 50 pink shirts to school and gave them to their classmates to wear as a way to unite with the bullied youth. As a result of the students’ act of kindness, wearing pink has become a symbol of standing up for victims of bullying and speaking out against bullying behaviour.
The Canadian Red Cross has promoted this day for a number of years and last year, 135 communities and 259 schools in Saskatchewan participated in the Day of Pink.
“Today, during Red Cross Day of Pink, more than 40,000 students and adults across Saskatchewan are wearing pink to say that bullying is no longer socially acceptable,” Canadian Red Cross Provincial Director Cindy Fuchs said. “We’re thrilled that the Government of Saskatchewan is once again recognizing this important day.”
For bullying prevention tips and more information about the Red Cross bullying prevention education programs, contact your local Red Cross office or visit www.redcross.ca/RespectED.
To learn about anti-bullying initiatives in Saskatchewan, please visit www.iamstronger.ca or www.saskatchewan.ca/live/education-learning-and-child-care/anti-bullying.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506