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Estevan Diversified Services participants wear pink against bullying

The Red Cross Pink Day on Feb. 27 is an important date for the clients of the Estevan Diversified Services (EDS). Every year on this day they put on pink shirts that symbolize a stand against bullying.

The Red Cross Pink Day on Feb. 27 is an important date for the clients of the Estevan Diversified Services (EDS). Every year on this day they put on pink shirts that symbolize a stand against bullying.

“We’ve done it for several years, and they’ve looked forward to it,” said direct support professional Lisa Whynat.

The chosen colour has a symbolic value since the campaign started after a Grade 9 boy was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

This day has personal value for most people at EDS, as it brings back memories about their own experiences. So for them wearing pink is another way to stand up for themselves and for others.

“Most, if not all of our clients have been bullied at one time or another and still continue to be today. And they like to stand up and make sure that they can help prevent bullying,” said Whynat.

Besides wearing pink, EDS clients also usually set up other campaigns against bullying in February, as well during another marked anti-bullying day that takes place later in the year.

Pink Day
EDS made little pink shirts on sticks to promote the anti-bullying day.

Last year they went to St. Joseph’s Hospital’s long-term care to talk about bullying. And a couple of years ago they participated in a walk around the walking track at the Affinity Place wearing pink. Yet it turned out that not many people out there knew about the anti-bullying day. That’s why this year they decided to draw attention to the event and made little pink shirts on the sticks that were dropped off at the library to bring awareness about the day.

“We just thought we’d make sure people remember it is (anti) bully day,” said Whynat.

“They wanted people, who stop in at the library, to know that this is the day, that we are making a stand and saying ‘No more bullying,’” said Roberta DeRosier, program co-ordinator with the EDS.

Originally Canadian, this campaign came to life over 10 years ago and since then spread over to many countries in the world.