Wednesday, Feb. 28 marks Pink Shirt Day and Okanagan Boys and Girls Club hosted a breakfast to celebrate the day.
Hundreds of people, including many elected officials, filled The Laurel Packinghouse to help celebrate kindness and bring an end to bullying.
“We’re not just highlighting our stance against bullying but also championing the virtues of empathy, inclusion, and lifting each other up,” said BGC Okanagan CEO Jeremy Welder. “Today’s breakfast marks the beginning of a year-long dedicated to lifting each other up and promoting kindness to challenge bullying. [It] doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of growing up.”
Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas read the proclamation, officially making Feb. 28 Pink Shirt Day.
“Our community takes a collective stand against bullying and we are committed to creating a culture of kindness and acceptance,” said Dyas. “Today, we celebrate the power of kindness and acceptance and together, we can shine a bright light on positivity, creating a world where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and accepted.
On top of Dyas, Kelowna council members Gord Lovegrove, Loyal Wooldridge, and Maxime DeHart were in attendance, as well as West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom and Lake Country Mayor Blair Ireland.
Local public speaker Trisha Miltimore also spoke at the event about experiences she went through growing up and throughout her career. She talked about the power of connection, as well as highlighting stories involving kindness, community, and gratitude.
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