Calgary, February 22: In an effort to reiterate and shine more focus on issues of bullying and anti-bullying initiatives across the city, Immigrant Services Calgary has launched an annual symposium, with the first event set to take place on Pink Shirt Day.
Bringing together community leaders, the Wednesday, Feb. 22 event aims to give attendees the knowledge and tools needed to combat bullying in their institutions and everyday life, and it will hear from youth speakers on how to turn understanding into action.
Danielle Smith, the Premier, meanwhile had this message:
No matter who we are, we all desire to belong. On February 22, Albertans wear pink shirts to raise awareness of bullying, & to encourage inclusion in all spaces! #pinkshirtday #abpoli #ableg pic.twitter.com/tl4HpNJMgN
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) February 22, 2023
Pink Shirt Day originated in 2007, at Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge, Nova Scotia. A new student wore a pink polo shirt on the first day of school and was subsequently bullied for doing so. Two Grade 12 students then purchased 50 pink shirts and handed them out to wear as a show of support to the boy.
Also known as Anti-Bullying Day, Pink Shirt Day is now observed across Canada and other parts of the world.
