Free Pink Shirt Day event takes aim at bullying

Daycare By CDC-Free Use Domain-Unsplash

By Cecilia Nasmith

In Recognition of Pink Shirt Day, Northumberland County's Early Years Services is partnering with EarlyON Northumberland, the MEHRIT Centre and local school boards to host a free Feb. 28 community conversation to promote kindness – and raise awareness and understanding around bullying – for families, educators, early-years professionals and all community members.

Pink Shirt Day takes place on the last Wednesday of February as an annual opportunity to look at issues surrounding bullying in schools, work places, home and on-line. The initiative began at a Canadian school in 2007, when Grade 12 students bought and distributed 50 pink shirts in support of a fellow student who had been bullied for wearing a pink shirt. It has continued as an annual initiative to promote kindness, inclusivity and acceptance.

This year's theme is Sprinkle Kindness. It encourages everyone to take small but meaningful actions to further this goal, and serves to remind us that kindness grows when shared.

“Raising awareness about bullying at a young age is critical,” Northumberland Early Years Services Manager Lesley Patterson said in the announcement,.

“By understanding the underlying behaviours that can lead to bullying, we can equip children, families and educators with the tools to build empathy, kindness and positive relationships.”

The local event, held at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre in Cobourg, features MEHRIT Centre Executive Director Susan Hopkins as keynote speaker, discussing how children can better understand and manage their emotions, and how adults can support positive behaviour development.

Afterwards, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and join in a community conversation, and also to enjoy a complimentary light lunch. And of course, everyone is invited to wear pink shirts.

Though the event is free, registration is required for planning purposes, including the child-minding service that will be offered.

It runs from 9 a.m. to noon Feb 28 at the Best Western (930 Burnham St.). To register, visit Northumberland.ca/PinkShirtDay