In the past, BGC North Simcoe (formerly Boys & Girls Club North Simcoe) has worked to spread kindness and inclusion to the youth and communities it serves on Pink Shirt Day.
In 2024, the organization took it to a whole new level with a successful and community-supported Pink Shirt Fundraiser.
With brand new kindness-inspired graphics, this initiative is back again for Pink Shirt Day 2025 slated for February 26th. With this initiative, the cub is offering community members a chance to show their support and raise awareness about the prevention of bullying and the promotion of kindness and inclusion.
"We were so encouraged by the support our communities showed during last year's Pink Shirt Day fundraiser," BGC North Simcoe fundraising and digital marketing coordinator Joshua Tinney explains. "It made the decision to run this campaign of inclusion and kindness again this year so easy."
Pink Shirt Day has roots in a small act of kindness that took place in Nova Scotia in 2007. A young grade 9 student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt, so a group of teenagers organized a protest. In an act of kindness and support, they handed out pink shirts to other students at their school. This statement inspired a global movement, and Pink Shirt Day was born.
This initiative not only raises awareness about the widespread issue of bullying but also empowers youth with the tools and education they need to stand up for themselves and others, according to the organization.
"Funds raised directly support local programs that create safe spaces for children and youth to thrive while promoting acceptance and diversity," says BGC North Simcoe executive director Heather Purchon.
The pink shirts available for purchase were designed by a BGC North Simcoe staff member who grew up as a "club kid."
Pink shirts are available for pre-order until Tuesday in adult and youth sizes with three different graphics displayed here.
For more information about the organization that has been around for two decades, click here.