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Alberta’s Cold Lake community stands against bullying

Alberta’s Cold Lake community stands against bullying
Photo: Bully-Free Pink Walk 2024 Participants (Lakeland Today)

Residents of Cold Lake recently came together to take a stand against bullying during the annual Bully Free Pink Walk, a powerful community event where students, law enforcement, and locals marched side by side through the streets in a strong show of solidarity. The event, held on October 4th, was organized by the Cold Lake and District FCSS Bully Free Committee to mark the beginning of Bullying Awareness Month.

Participants, including students from Assumption Junior High School’s French immersion program, members of the Cold Lake RCMP, and the public, walked together from the FCSS building through downtown Cold Lake, sending a clear message of support and unity against bullying. The sight of participants dressed in pink made a striking visual statement, reinforcing the importance of standing together as a community.

“The Pink Walk is an annual event, so we do encourage just the general public to attend, but we do have a focus on the schools, the neighbouring schools, to also attend,” said Clarissa Favel, Community Partnerships Facilitator at Cold Lake and District FCSS and chair of the Cold Lake Bully Free Committee.

Participants dressed in pink for the walk and sent a clear message about the importance of community support in standing against bullying. “It’s a great way for the community to come together and show solidarity,” Favel said. This annual walk is just one of many anti-bullying efforts led by the Cold Lake Bully Free Committee.

The committee started as a task force formed by the City of Cold Lake in 2007. It includes local agencies and citizens working to offer prevention skills to community groups, clubs, camps, workplaces, and the public. The Cold Lake Bully Free Committee is run entirely by volunteers from various agencies and the community and meets several times a year to plan anti-bullying initiatives. Their ongoing efforts include events like “Pink in the Rink” with the Cold Lake Jr. B Ice and a button colouring contest. As part of Bullying Awareness Month, they are hosting an event on Oct. 29 at Cold Lake FCSS, featuring a workplace harassment and bullying expert. This full-day training will include a public session, offering valuable insights to anyone interested.

The Pink Walk served as a powerful reminder that no one has to face bullying alone. It highlighted the importance of offering support that’s tailored to each person’s age and situation, with resources like the Kids Helpline or school counsellors available for younger individuals. The Cold Lake Bully Free Committee encourages anyone passionate about ending bullying to join their efforts, as they are always welcoming new members. For more information about joining or requesting a tailored presentation, contact FCSS at 780-594-4495.

Source: Lakeland Today