Pink Shirt Day raises awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives

Thousands of children are showing up at school wearing pink T-shirts as part of an initiative to put an end to bullying across Canada.

Pink Shirt Day falls on the last Wednesday of February every year, with the goal of creating a more inclusive world by raising awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives.

It started in Nova Scotia in 2007, when a Grade 9 student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school.

His fellow students joined together and all wore pink shirts to school the next day.

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“When Albertans and Canadians across the country wear pink, we take a stand against bullying and show those who have experienced bullying they are not alone,” said Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services, in a Wednesday news release.

“Pink Shirt Day is dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and promoting kindness, empathy and respect in our communities. It is a reminder that each person makes a difference by choosing to be kind and respectful in their daily lives.”

According to the Pink Shirt Day website, almost 180 countries share their support through social media posts and donations.

Proceeds from the initiative have raised more than $3 million to support youth anti-bullying programs in British Columbia and Western Canada.

In Calgary, the Hitmen will host the Swift Current Broncos at 11 a.m. for the annual Telus Be Brave #EndBullying game.

More than 17,000 students and teachers will be at the Saddledome to watch the game and hear from guest speakers.

“All students deserve to feel safe, welcome and respected in school,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Education.

“On Pink Shirt Day, we encourage all Albertans to wear pink to honour the courageous students who first started this movement to stand up against bullying in 2007.”

If you or someone you know is getting bullied, you can call or text the Bullying Helpline at 310-1818.

The province also has an online chat tool.