Bonnyville RCMP taking part in Pink Shirt Day

The RCMP in Bonnyville are taking part in Pink Shirt Day to promote bullying awareness.

Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since been recognized annually worldwide as a day to stand against bullying.

This year, the responsibility to promote Pink Shirt Day is that of individual RCMP detachments.

Cpl. Shawn Morgan is a Media Relations Officer with the Eastern Alberta District RCMP.

“Officers have been encouraged to wear a Pink Shirt Lapel pin on their uniform or one can wear a pink undershirt when in uniform,” Cpl. Morgan told Lakeland Connect. “If not in uniform employees may wear pink t-shirts, sweatshirts, or zip-up hoodies in addition to their normal professional business attire.”

Cpl. Morgan says the Bonnyville RCMP are promoting the anti bullying initiative.

“I can advise that some at the Bonnyville Detachment are promoting the program by wearing a pink shirt under their uniform,” Cpl. Morgan said.

This year’s theme for Alberta is, #BeKindAB, encourages Albertans to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive with colleagues, clients, friends and family. Building healthy relationships is one of the best ways to prevent bullying and create safe environments.

Getting involved is easy! Wear your pink shirt, take a photo and share it on social media with the #PinkShirtDay and #BeKindAB hashtags.

The Bullying Helpline (1‑888‑456‑2323) is available 24 hours, 7 days a week and offers help in more than 170 languages. The Bullying Online Chat can be accessed at alberta.ca/bullying-find-supports.