Are you wearing pink today? February 24 is the day for Pink Shirt Day in 2021, and here’s the story behind the Canada-wide initiative that is getting a lot of support. Find out more about the anti-bullying campaign below.
The Pink Shirt Day story and its goal
The campaign goal is to educate people of all ages about bullying, which includes its harmful effects. It raises awareness about why people bully and effective ways to stop it. Bullying happens to men and women in schools, the workplace, and online.
As for what are Pink Shirt Day origins, began when two students in Nova Scotia started the campaign to stand up against the bullying they saw happening in school. The two boys spread the message that they would not put up with bullying when they protested the harassment happening to a new Grade 9 student by giving pink t-shirts to all boys at the school.
By wearing pink, you show that you are an advocate for change and do not think it is okay to bully someone else. Bullying can damage the mental health of the person experiencing it, leading to feelings of shame, loneliness, confusion, and sadness.
Here’s the great thing about Pink Shirt Day. It’s NOT saying bullies are bad people. No, it’s saying that bullies have issues that cause them to display these behaviors. So, it is about changing those behaviors. It’s not an “us versus them” mentality but instead, it’s “let’s work together.”
Women standing up for anti-bullying
Women are making a difference in anti-bullying efforts on Pink Shirt Day. In BC, the 2015 Pink Shirt Day Ladies Luncheon raised a whopping $45,000 for BC-based programs against bullying. Wow!
The event took place on February 20 at Vancouver’s Blue Water Cafe. Along with the lunch, there was a silent auction. The event involved bidding on items such as spa sessions, gift bags, and wine. Then there was a live auction for exclusive items from local retailers.
A primary organizer of Pink Shirt Day and this women’s luncheon is the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, along with Coast Capital Savings. Jen Schaeffers is the Executive Director of the CKNW Orphans’ Fund. She also created NetworkinginVancouver.com.
At the luncheon, she gave a speech that included telling a story about her daughter. Jen’s daughter asked her, “Mommy, am I pretty?” As Jen explained in her speech at the Pink Shirt Day Ladies Luncheon, she told her that inner beauty and good values are most important.
Showing your support
To support Pink Shirt Day and its anti-bullying message, you can make a donation or buy the official t-shirt at London Drugs to wear on February 24. Alternatively, wear pink to show your support on the 25th and share the hashtags #PinkItForward and #PinkShirtDay on your favorite social media networks. Let’s put an end to bullying, once and for all!
Finally, we are speaking out against bullying. When I was growing up it was the victim that was supposed to put up with it. I speak from experience. Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you.” Yes, they do!
Sadly, I missed this post on the exact day. I have heard about the pink shirt, and won’t miss it next year. Although, there’s no reason I can’t wear pink for the cause whenever I want.
I love that 2 boys started the Pink Shirt Day! I see from this post the the boys have inspired women to pick up the cause. At the risk of sounding cheeky…they are inspiring women! (I hope that made sense!)
Absolutely you can wear pink any day to show support, dear Resa! Plus, I know you had a good reason for being away as you were busy with a certain red carpet! And YES your comment made total sense (it’s fine to be cheeky here too) xo Thanks dear friend!
Hi Christy,
Thank you for sharing the campaign to educate people of all ages about bullying. Hopefully, the more we increase the awareness about the harmful effects of bullying, more progress can be made to stop harassment. It is inspirational to learn that Pink Shirt Day began when two students in Nova Scotia stood up against the bullying at their school. It is a tribute to these 9th grade boys to spread the message for working together to make these behavioral changes.
Another inspirational post. Have a great weekend!
Regards,
Linnea
Your kindness contributes to the post here wonderfully and I thank you for it, dear Linnea.
Amen! And I love that you stated that ‘bullies are not bad people’ but they have issues that need to be corrected. That is so important because nobody is nasty without cause. xo :)
Yes, I mean, it’s not like babies come out of the womb saying ‘I’m going to bully someone’! lol. It’s time we all work together xo Speaking of work, there’s always writing to do…!! I hope you’re having a nice day, Deb xo
Oh yes, lots of work to do. In fact, I’m just writing a post about that. :) xo
This is a great initiative. I’ve never heard of it, and we don’t have this in Australia on this scale and I wish we did. Love the “let’s work together” mentality when it comes to stamping out bullying. We’re all in this together, and best way to work through this is to try and understand one another :)
Exactly, Mabel! Your comment tells me you totally get what the Pink Shirt Day is all about. Maybe one day it will show up in Australia too :) Nice to see you!
In Australia, we usually associate the colour pink with Breast Cancer Awareness day – pink is the colour for this day. We need another colour for bullying day :)
Oh yes, pink is here too with Breast Cancer Awareness. Maybe a different shade of pink would do? :)
Maybe a light shade of pink will do it. Bright pink is associated with Breast Cancer awareness in Australia :)
Great idea, Mabel! :)
We wore our shirts today – it was beautiful to see so much pink in the school :)
Oh yes, yes!! That’s great :D
An excellent initiative … thank you, Christy, for letting us all know about it. Looks me to me like a level-headed, compassionate way to support those who’ve experienced bullying. It says, “This behavior is not ok, and we are with you.”
Yes, it’s offering compassion for sure. I am so glad it’s not ganging up on bullies as that’s just doing the same behavior back to them. Not helpful in that case. This is a positive message, I think. Thanks for taking time here, G <3
All for it Christy and wearing pink downtown today… we lead by example and say enough is enough, time for change.
Hugs in the Pink…
Excellent – united in pink we are, Rolly! Hugs!
A wonderful idea.. and Support your Pink Shirt Day.. I had not heard of it before Christy.. But there is far too much bullying that goes on..Many thanks for bringing awareness to Bullying my friend.. xxx Love and Light.. Sue
Oh sweet Sue, it’s my pleasure to be able to use this space to share words that can help people in some way. I am so glad to have your support with this campaign and in general xx
I support your Pink Shirt Day, Christy. There is no room in our world for bullying.
Excuse me I’m looking for Mark because he rocks!! :)
You know you can find me, Christy. :-) Moving mountains one pebble at a time. :)
Slow and steady wins the race?! :)
Never give up. :-)
Go pink! Thank you for sharing this, Christy!
Hi Ines! I was just thinking about you yesterday and made a mental note to visit your blog. Now I will do so :) Yes, go pink!!