Andy Callicum is taking the well-known expression, ‘If you’re going to talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk’ to a whole new level. The Red Cross volunteer from B.C. is gearing up for a three-day, 118-kilometre walk, aptly called Walk the Talk, to raise funds to prevent bullying in his community. Donations from Walk the Talk will help bring Red Cross bullying prevention workshops to schools in the Alberni-Clayquot region of B.C.
Andy was getting concerned about recent violence amongst youth in his community, so he decided to take action. "As a young man, a resident of Alberni and as a volunteer within the Governance of the Canadian Red Cross, I feel I can and should be doing something to help."
Along with raising funds for bullying prevention, Andy is also asking individuals to sign an online pledge, which invites everyone in the Alberni-Clayquot region to be part of the solution to the growing problem of violence in the community. The commendable pledge includes a promise to be more inclusive and to treat everyone with respect so the entire community can live together cooperatively and free from violence.
Andy will begin his walk on Friday, Sept 20 and walk until Sunday, Sept. 22; just short of a marathon each day!
Red Cross bullying prevention workshops present an effective solution to a problem that impacts so many communities across the country because of their unique model, where older students act as facilitators and role models to inspire change in younger students.
To find out more about the Red Cross Violence and Abuse Prevention Program, visit www.redcross.ca/violenceandabuseprevention.