Kids don pink in stand against bullies

By Peggy Revell on March 1, 2018.

prevell@medicinehatnews.com @MHNprevell

It was a sea of pink across Medicine Hat as schools, organizations and businesses once again got on board for Pink Shirt Day.

“I love pink shirt day … I’m really glad people do this,” said Grade 6 Crestwood student Halle Noon, who said she has experienced bullying. “It’s awesome people support this.”

Now in its 10th year, Pink Shirt Day originated in a small Nova Scotian town, when a group of boys came together and wore pink T-shirts in response to a new student at their school being bullied for wearing one. The day has since spread across Canada and worldwide — and alongside the anti-bullying message funds to support anti-bullying programs.

Local schools, police, the library and many others were posting photos to social media showing off their pink.

Students arriving at Crestwood School Wednesday morning were greeted by pink streamers and decorations set up as a surprise by the custodian. Noon’s Grade 6 class also spent part of their morning putting together a bulletin board to mark the day.

Noon said she hopes people participate — even if they don’t have a pink shirt, they can wear other items like scarfs.

For classmate Julia Schafer, Pink Shirt Day is important because it gives people extra support and can make them feel safer.

She and others also try to keep the spirit of the day year round.

“I hang out with people who don’t have a lot of friends,” said Schafer of one of the things she does to stop bullying year-round.

“I think if you see it happening, just step up and try to stop it,” said Stetson McCaskill, another Grade 6 student.

“I don’t like being teased, everyone doesn’t like being bullied. When I see it, I try to go over and help,” agreed Noon.

The three are also a part of Crestwood’s leadership group, which often does projects throughout the year that help students feel welcome.

“(Bullying) can be stopped if we all work together,” said McCaskill.

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