Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet. Each year, Pink T-Shirt Day is the last Wednesday in February is celebrated.

It is so important that victims of bullying know they are not alone and there is help and support available. Wearing a pink shirt on this day sends a strong message to them that others care. Often, the simple act of wearing a shirt can start conversations - conversations can be a big step towards healing and helping!

The idea comes from two Nova Scotia high school students back in 2007. When a fellow student was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt, they decided to take a stand. They went out and bought pink shirts to give to fellow students to show their support for a boy who was being bullied simply for wearing a pink shirt.

"Lift Each Other Up" is the theme of Pink Shirt Day 2020. This year's message encourages us to look beyond our differences, on Pink Shirt Day and every day, and instead focus on celebrating the things that make us unique. The Pink Shirt Day website says, "By lifting each other up, we see past the things that separate us to the things that unite us."

In addition to wearing pink on Wednesday, February 26, many schools in the area are hosting special events or activities to raise awareness and show their commitment to creating welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments. Including the Peace Wapiti Public School Division who first coordinated division wide Pink Shirt Day back in 2015.

Superintendent Bob Stewart says, "It has grown over the years, so from encouraging students to wear pink and talk about the foundational message behind the movement we we have seen now is individual schools are expanding beyond with different activities"

You can celebrate diversity by wearing a pink t-shirt and participating in activities in you workplaces, schools, and communities.