Celebrate Pink Shirt Day February 22nd!
Pink Shirt Day is a celebration all Canadians can get behind. If you don’t know the story, read on to learn about it. And then, consider joining us in celebrating Pink Shirt Day on February 22, 2023!
What Is Pink Shirt Day?
Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 right here in Canada, when two high school students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, heard that another student at their school had been bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Determined to stand up to bullying, the two students organized a protest to show solidarity. They messaged their friends, purchased 50 pink shirts, and handed them out the next day for students to wear and send a message that bullying would not be tolerated.
Today, Pink Shirt Day is celebrated in nearly 180 countries around the world on the last Wednesday in February. This year, we hope you’ll join us on February 22, 2023 to take a stand against bullying everywhere.
Bullying is still a problem in schools, workplaces, communities, and online spaces across the world. Participating in Pink Shirt Day is a fun and easy way to help create a kinder world. Here’s how you can join in the celebrations.
Wear Pink
The simplest way to participate in Pink Shirt Day is simply by wearing pink. You’ll show solidarity, and you can even encourage your friends to wear pink, too.
If you want to make a bigger impact, though, consider purchasing official Pink Shirt Day merchandise. All proceeds from the merchandise go to support programs that help children develop healthy self-esteem.
Fundraise
Do you love the Pink Shirt Day message? Then why not support it with a fundraiser? There are so many ways you can have fun and raise money to help stop bullying, too.
For a quick and easy way to raise money, start an online fundraiser where your friends, family, and extended network can donate. Or turn your fundraiser into an enjoyable event. Host a gathering of friends for a pink party and collect donations. Or organize a bake sale and donate the proceeds.
Spread the Message
Another great way to take part in Pink Shirt Day is simply to spread the message! Talk to friends and family about why you’re celebrating Pink Shirt Day. And consider downloading and printing free posters to hang around your building or community.
Alternatively, show your creative side! Love to bake? Pass out pink cupcakes with a note about Pink Shirt Day. Or take a photo of yourself wearing your pink shirt to share on social media and encourage others to join you in celebrating Pink Shirt Day.
Donate or Support Businesses That Donate Part Proceeds
Want to participate without the responsibility of organizing an event? Consider making a donation in support of Pink Shirt Day. Or support businesses that are donating part proceeds to the cause.
For example, participating Denny’s locations will donate all proceeds from their Grand Slam meals on Grand Slam Day (February 15). And Shreya Gupta, a 13-year-old author, will donate all proceeds made from the sales of her book, Flamingo Feet, during the month of February. The book follows a young girl who wants to become a jazz dancer but reconsiders after being bullied.
However you choose to participate in Pink Shirt Day, we hope you’ll join us in taking a stand against bullying. So get your pink shirt ready, call some friends, and prepare to have loads of fun for a great cause!
