Wear pink April 12, support bullying prevention
The Creemore Echo is pleased to be taking part in Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School’s Paint the Town Pink event on April 12.
During the scavenger hunt style event, being called Creemore Amazing Race Pink Edition 2017, about 100 students in Grades 4-8 will be participating in various activities and challenges at the school and in the downtown area.
April 12 marks the International Day of Pink, when communities unite in celebrating diversity and raising awareness to stop homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, and all forms of bullying.
The International Day of Pink resulted from an incident in Nova Scotia when two straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. “The students intervened, but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity. The result was that an entire school took a stand and began working together to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying,” states International Day of Pink officials.
“Each year, on the second Wednesday of April, millions of people wear pink and take a stand. The Day of Pink is a symbol, a spark, that empowers and inspires youth across Canada to create amazing social change.”
The campaign does more than raise awareness about bullying in individual schools, it helps youth see beyond their small community and helps prepare them for the wider world with an open heart.
The scavenger hunt reinforces the need for teamwork and inclusiveness while appreciating individuality and teaching bullying prevention.
Next Wednesday, students will be out on the street in supervised groups, making stops at the library and participating businesses.
This is a great event because it grew out of a student led initiative. Last year, students received a provincial grant to organize the first annual Paint the Town Pink in Creemore and this year it has evolved.
Students will be out on the town from about 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 1:40 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to wear pink that day in support of the event. The Day of Pink is about committing to being open minded, accepting differences and learning to respect each other.
