Vancouver Career College raise funds dedicated to combat bullying
Across the province, Vancouver Career College students participated in Pink Shirt Day raising more than $1,300 for CKNW Kids’ Fund for anti-bullying programs.
Pink Shirt Day started out in Nova Scotia after two boys witnessed one male student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school. In a show of unity, they handed out pink t-shirts to their classmates. Fast forward 10 years, and Pink Shirt Day has evolved into a globally-recognized event once a year - dedicated to raising awareness of bullying.
According to Pink Shirt Day organizers, 1 in 5 kids is affected by bullying. This year’s theme, “Nice Needs No Filter” focused on cyberbullying; a disheartening consequence of the power of the internet at our fingertips. The campaign aims to draw attention to the impact our actions and words have on others, especially in our increasingly digital world. Donations raised for the CKNW Kids' Fund help to fund programs that promote kindness, empathy, and compassion.
Vancouver Career College students participated in a number of fundraising activities to show their support for the campaign, wearing pink shirts, hosting pancake breakfasts, and marching out on the streets.
“Students from Vancouver Career College wanted to get our community aware that bullying is not acceptable in any shape or form,” said Fabiana Velarde, campus director at Vancouver Career College Coquitlam campus.
Eager to generate more widespread awareness, students at Velarde’s campus marched around the neighbourhood around campus.
“It was an amazing experience as they were not sure how those outside of the college community would react to the march. Some people joined them on the march, drivers were honking and applauding the march and one flower company stopped on the street to give our students flowers. Students were very happy with the final result of their march and very proud of what they have accomplished.”
To learn more about community initiatives at Vancouver Career College, and how you can get involved, www.career.college or join us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.