Prince George is celebrating kindness and empathy on Wednesday, for international Pink Shirt Day.
Pink Shirt Day started in a Nova Scotia town in 2007, after students wore pink shirts in solidarity with a Grade 9 student who was bullied for wearing one on his first day at school. This year the event is being celebrated in 110 countries around the world.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern B.C. is coordinating events in Prince George, and raising money to support youth mentoring programs to support victims of bullying – and to help the bullies as well.
“All money raised from the selling of shirts and bracelets, pink items, and our online auction will be used to support pro-active mentoring programs that serve children in Prince George and Northern BC,” the organization’s website says. “These programs take many forms from 1:1 at school, in the community, or in a virtual setting as well as skill based group programs.”
Residents can show their support by wearing a pink shirt, making a donation online, or purchasing Pink Shirt Day items at various local retails. Since 2013, Big Brothers Big Sister of Northern B.C. has raised more than $120,000 through Pink Shirt Day activities to support youth mentoring programs.
Tim Hortons, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Carl’s Junior, The Makerie, Cait’s Sweet Bites and Beanery, Blissful Bubbles and Farmhouse Catering Company all have Pink Shirt Day items for sale, including donuts, milkshakes, bath bombs, candy apples, pink cheesecake and more.
Central Builders will give shoppers wearing a pink shirt 10 per cent off today, and make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters for every pink-shirted shopper. McDonalds locations will be accepting donations at their local locations.
The Prince George Cougars, Trench Brewing and Distillery and Brown’s Social House all held Pink Shirt Day events earlier this month.
Even Mr. PG is getting in on the action, and will be illuminated with a pink light today.
“One in five children are affected by bullying,” the Big Brothers Big Sisters website says. “Mentors can help children who are struggling with bullying by helping their mentee find constructive and non-violent ways to cope with their peers, handle stress, and deal with conflict. By modeling kindness and empathy, children may be better equipped to recognize and seek healthy relationships.”
