February 26 is Pink Shirt Day in Alberta

This year we celebrate Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday February 26, 2025. Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since been recognized annually worldwide as a day to stand against bullying.

We encourage Hinton citizens to be inclusive, welcoming, and supportive with colleagues, clients, friends and family. Building healthy relationships is one of the best ways to prevent bullying and create safe environments. Getting involved is easy. Wear your pink shirt and put a STOP to bullying today!

Bullying is characterized by acts of intentional harm, repeated over-time, in a relationship where an imbalance of power exists. It includes physical actions, verbal actions, and social exclusion. Boys tend to be more likely to bully and be bullied, usually in the form of a physical attack and exhibition of aggressive behaviour. Alternatively, girls appear to be more prone to indirect bullying in the form of social isolation, slandering and the spreading of rumors.

Bullying is a relationship problem that involves a power imbalance, which is why it can be so challenging to overcome it by ourselves. Regardless of where bullying happens – in school, the office, at home or in the community – there are people and resources that can help. 

Here are a few ways you can take part in Pink Shirt Day:

• share Pink Shirt Day resources on social media
• practice acts of kindness
• discuss your role in bullying prevention with your friends, family or coworkers
• call the Bullying Helpline 1-888-456-2323 for more information or support 
• learn about how to safely and appropriately intervene and share what you learn with family, friends, and coworkers
• research information about healthy relationships and share what you learn with at least one other person.

The West Fraser Guild will be illuminated pink during the week of Pink Shirt Day in support of Alberta’s “Pink Shirt Day” Anti-Bullying Awareness campaign. We encourage everyone to wear pink on this day, and to share their photos on social media using #PinkShirtDay. 

Bullying affects people of all age demographics, from children to older adults. If you, or someone you know is experiencing bullying, call 911 if there is immediate danger.

For support, information, or referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Family Violence – Find Supports Call or text 310-1818
• Bullying Helpline 1-888-456-2323
• Kids Help Line 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• Crisis Text Line Text CONNECT to 741741
• Community Resources 211 Alberta

You can reach out to any of the partnering agencies listed in the Hinton Family Violence community toolkit. Microsoft Word - Final 2024- Family Violence Community Toolkit.  

FCSS is here to assist anyone who is being bullied. You are not alone, and FCSS can connect you to the services that you need. For a confidential referral or more information contact the Hinton FCSS office at 780-865-6036.