Today is the fourth annual Red Cross Day of Pink, and more than 20,000 people will be participating in various events across Saskatchewan that encourage people to stand up and say "no" to bullying.

Presented by SaskEnergy, Red Cross Day of Pink aims to bring awareness to bullying issues and what people can do to create safe and respectful environments. Students and businesses across the province bought official t-shirts, hats and stickers to celebrate the day. Hundreds of schools across the province are holding assemblies and various events that help promote respect and celebrate Day of Pink initiatives.

"At SaskEnergy we hope the energy of Saskatchewan youth will 'paint the province pink' today in an effort to stamp out bullying in our communities," says Leslie Gosselin, Manager, Advertising & Community Relations for SaskEnergy. "Whether in the classroom, on the playground, at work, or at home, there is no place for bullying and we are proud to help the Red Cross deliver this message loud and clear."

In Saskatoon and Moose Jaw this morning, there will be student rallies at St. Joseph High School Auditorium and the Yara Centre respectively. Co-founder of Pink Shirt Day, Travis Price, will speak at both rallies, as will Olympian Miranda Biletski. Saskatchewan Roughrider Scott McHenry will be addressing students in Saskatoon as well.

Later this morning, there will be a photo booth and giant peace sign at the Cornwall Centre in Regina; that event will run all day until 7 p.m. tonight.

This week there is an anti-bullying conference taking place in Prince Albert.

Saskatoon students at St. John School will be treated to a visit from "Indian Ernie," former Saskatoon police officer-turned-author, who will bring the elementary students a message about the importance of respecting themselves and others.

"He is a role model, and we believe he will inspire our students," says vice-principal Colette Bischoff.

Finally, the RCMP will parade in support of the Red Cross Day of Pink.

RCMP cadets, employees, and community partners will be wearing pink as they march in solidarity against bullying: all RCMP "Depot" Division cadets will trade in the distinctive Mountie uniform for pink T-shirts. 

The parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the RCMP Heritage Centre and end in the RCMP Drill Hall.

"We have gone above and beyond what we expected to achieve with Red Cross Day of Pink," says Cindy Fuchs, Provincial Director for the Canadian Red Cross. "Seeing  so many people across the province taking a stand for respect shows how bullying behaviour is no longer socially acceptable." 

 

For information on Red Cross Day of Pink events near your community, visit Red Cross' website.