Teachers at Brunswick School in Melfort are wearing their pink shirts in support of Pink Shirt Day. (Submitted photo/Rodney White)

By Mat Barrett

Pink Shirt Day

Be Someone’s Hero: Local schools celebrate Pink Shirt Day

Feb 24, 2021 | 3:00 PM

Pink Shirt Day is Feb. 24 across Canada as people wear pink in support of anti-bullying.

In Melfort, Brunswick School is using the term “Be Someone’s Hero” to help promote doing the right thing, and helping make someone’s day. Principal Rodney White said they want to teach these things every day, but more so on Pink Shirt Day.

“It’s literally every single day,” he said. “You always want your kids in school to show those acts of kindness at school, outside of school, just being the community members that they are.”

White added that over the years, more and more people are wearing pink and participating in the day.

“And now, it’s literally everybody has something they can wear,” White said. “So, just that in itself has shown how much it’s grown.”

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On top of seeing more and more pink, White added that he’s noticed the effect the day has on the students.

“I think the kids see that they have the power within themselves to make a difference,” he said. “And I think that’s huge.”

White said simply opening a door for someone, or helping them find adult help if needed can be simple ways to make someone’s day.

Meanwhile, a wellness coach and mental health advocate, Laura Lawrence said Pink Shirt Day should be looked at more so with a positive focus.

“Perhaps not as anti-bullying,” said Lawrence. “But as pro-acceptance, and pro-compassion, and pro-empathy.”

She added that today is a good day to talk about and promote inclusion.

The initiative began after two teens wore pink in support of a classmate who was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school in 2007.