Mental Health and Well-being

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (cue the iconic back to school shopping commercial). This catchy jingle is not the best reflection of the majority of children and teens who are returning to class. For some, it’s the end of summer vacation that stings the most, but for others it is the fear of returning to a place where they are bullied.

The goal of the Strength and Spirit campaign may have been to build strength and resilience in First Nations communities, but what it also uncovered was one man’s passion and commitment to the region he grew up in. Robert Whitelaw, better known as Bob, was a family man who put great emphasis on building strong relationships. This ultimately became his legacy and it was all prompted by the Canadian Red Cross Strength and Spirit Campaign.

The 2015 Canadian Red Cross Day of Pink on April 8th reached across the entire province of Manitoba with more than 335 schools and workplaces joining in on the celebrations.

While it takes a year-round, whole-community approach to stop bullying, on April 1, communities across Saskatchewan wore pink to help raise awareness on issues around bullying. 

We share some highlights from Red Cross Day of Pink events and activities held throughout the province, in schools and workplaces. 

This guest blog post is in celebration of the Day of Pink, taking place in Saskatchewan on April 1 and Manitoba and elsewhere on April 8. 
 
It's not your imagination: children who are struggling with mental health, neurodevelopmental, and behavioural challenges are more likely to be bullied—and/or to bully—other children.

On February 25th, parents, educators and some of our partners who work in the field of bullying prevention education and awareness joined us for a Twitter chat as we marked Pink Shirt Day. Here are hightlights from the Twitter conversation, compiled through Storify. Thanks to all the participants, including Red Cross social ambassador and author of book on parenting and mental health, Ann Douglas. 

Stepping into the school a few days later, I had not expected such flamboyance. The school caretaker had covered all the overhead lights in pink cellophane, which now projected a pinkish hue in the hallways, as though an anti-bullying Instagram filter had been set upon the school. Rosy balloons festooned the gymnasium, while students raced around in their pink attire.

On February 25 at 9 p.m. EST, join in our Twitter Chat on Bullying Prevention (#RedCrossPinkChat ) and be part of the movement to end bullying, whether it takes place in-person or online (cyberbullying).