Celebrate kindness and take a stand against bullying at ‘Our Community Shines Bright’, a Pink Lantern Walk for Pink Shirt Day.
Pick up a lantern and enjoy warm refreshments at the Hinton Family Centre at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23. Then join the community walk around the lantern-lit oval track at Gordon Moore Memorial Park at 6:30 p.m. With every lantern, we build a brighter, kinder community.
Free pink shirts are available in limited quantities. Register by Feb. 9 with your shirt size by emailing fcss@hinton.ca or calling 780-865-6036.
About Pink Shirt Day
The Town of Hinton is proud to support Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day. It is held annually on the last Wednesday of February. This year, it falls on Feb. 25.
Pink Shirt Day raises awareness about bullying in schools, workplaces and online by promoting kindness, inclusion and empathy. The movement began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since grown into a worldwide campaign to stand against bullying.
We encourage Hinton residents 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 help put a stop to bullying.
The West Fraser Guild will be illuminated pink during the week of Pink Shirt Day in support of Alberta’s anti-bullying awareness campaign.
About Bullying
Bullying means repeated, intentional harm in a relationship where one person has more power than the other. It can include physical actions, verbal abuse and social exclusion.
Boys are more likely to bully and be bullied through physical attacks and aggressive behaviour. Girls are more likely to use indirect bullying, such as social isolation, slandering and spreading rumours.
Bullying is a relationship problem that involves a power imbalance, which is why it can be hard to overcome alone. Whether bullying happens at school, at work, at home or in the community, there are people and resources that can help.
How to Take Part in Pink Shirt Day
Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Share Pink Shirt Day resources on social media.
- Practice acts of kindness.
- Talk about bullying prevention with friends,familyor coworkers.
- Call the Bullying Helpline at 1-888-456-2323 for information or support.
- Learn how to safely and appropriately intervene and share what you learn.
- Research healthy relationships and share what you learn with someone else.
Resources
Bullying affects people of all ages, from children to older adults. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
For support, information or referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Family Violence – Find Supports:Call or text 310-1818.
- Bullying Helpline:1-888-456-2323.
- Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
- Crisis Text Line:Text CONNECT to 741741.
- Community Resources:Dial 211 Alberta.
FCSS is here to assist anyone who is being bullied. You are not alone. FCSS can connect you to the services you need. For a confidential referral or more information, contact the Hinton FCSS office at 780-865-6036.