Go Pink – dress up for anti-bullying day

Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~

It’s expected on Feb. 24 that a sea of pink wearing runners will trot the five kilometre fleet run route.

To support National Anti-Bullying Day in Canada, the Fleet Run has moved from its usual Thursday time slot to Wednesday, and everyone across the Formation can wear pink to work, the colour that represents taking a stand against bullying.  

“The pink t-shirt identifies those participating as part of organized opposition to bullying,” says Michael Holt, Director of the Civilian Human Resources Centre (Pacific).

Holt believes the run is a crucial step for CFB Esquimalt to promote the importance of having a safe and respectful workplace for all.

“I think it’s necessary to understand that a respectful workplace really does involve everyone,” says Holt. “So having that endorsement from the Formation for people to wear pink really shows a demonstrated effort to support the cause.”

In order to accommodate the pink civilian wear for military members, Dress with a Difference Day will move from Friday, Feb. 26 to the 24.

Special anti-bullying pink t-shirts can be purchased at London Drugs for $9.80. Net proceeds from the sale will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria.  

As per its usual route and time, the fleet run begins at A Jetty at 8:30 a.m. and finishes at the Dockyard gym. Snacks will be provided at the gym for runners.

The genesis of Pink Shirt Day:
Anti-Bullying Day or Pink Shirt day is a day when people wear a pink shirt to symbolize a stand against bullying, an idea that originated in Canada. It is celebrated on various dates around the world.

The original event was organized by David Shepherd and Travis Price of Berwick, Nova Scotia, who in 2007 bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after Grade nine student Charles McNeill was bullied for wearing a pink shirt during the first day of school.

Bullying continues to be a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet. On Pink T-Shirt Day wear something pink to symbolize that you will not tolerate bullying, anywhere.