Supplied: Government of Alberta

By Abby Zieverink

Pink Shirt Day

Local school divisions showing support for Pink Shirt Day to help end bullying

Feb 23, 2022 | 6:00 AM

February 23 is Pink Shirt Day across Canada and everyone across the country is encouraged to wear pink in support of anti-bullying.

The day started back in 2007 after two students wore a pink shirt to school to support a Grade 9 student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school.

Since then the day has grown to be recognized throughout the world.

In Grande Prairie, the local school divisions are working to help increase awareness about Pink Shirt Day on February 23, in hopes of spreading kindness throughout their schools and the community.

Peace Wapiti Public School Division Superintendent Bob Stewart says the division is using the day to help create a safe environment in their schools.

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“It’s a day where we can take the opportunity to promote healthy relationships, respect diversity and take a stand against bullying and we all share a responsibility to stop bullying when we see it,” he expressed.

Stewart says this year’s theme is #LiftEachotherUp.

“It encourages everyone to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive to one another,” Stewart explained.

“In my opinion, building healthy relationships creates safe environments and is one of the best ways to prevent bullying.”

He says that includes building strong relationships not only between students but between staff and students at PWPSD to create a safe environment for all.

The Grande Prairie Public School Division is also showing its support of Pink Shirt Day.

GPPSD has posted on various social media platforms staff and students gearing up for pink shirt day, in hopes of increasing awareness on February 23 to help stop bullying.

The Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools will also be wearing pink in support of Pink Shirt Day.

For anyone who may be experiencing bullying or abuse or knows of someone who is can connect find support here.