Standing Together Against Bullying – Pink Shirt Day
On February 26, The Salvation Army Maritime Division is taking part in Anti-Bullying Day – a national event started by two Nova Scotia students more than ten year ago when they stood up for a fellow classmate who was being bullied for the colour of his shirt.
For Captain Kim Chan, bullying is an issue close to her heart, as it is something she experienced throughout her youth. While she is confident today, there were many years where she was mistreated by others, simply due to the colour of her skin.
“We grew up in small town Newfoundland. We were a Chinese family, so we didn’t fit the mould,” says Captain Kim Chan, divisional secretary for business administration. “It was really hard.”
Growing up in a biracial family, Kim and her sister were raised to be proud of both their Newfoundland and Chinese heritage. But bullying caused them to feel different.
“People were challenged by our differences,” explains Kim. “They didn’t realize being different is okay. The differences we have in Canada and throughout the world is what makes us all so great.”
Today, she is proud of her heritage and is using her leadership role in The Salvation Army to ensure that children and youth who are experiencing bullying have someone to help them.
“The Salvation Army is here to listen. Any one who is being bullied is not alone. We all care. There are people at every location who want to listen, encourage, support, and be there to help you through this.”
The Salvation Army is also available to talk to parents of children who are experiencing bullying or have a child who is bullying others and unsure how to handle the situation.
“We are here for all parents too. Especially parents of a child who may be bullying others,” says Kim. “Teaching our children to value someone who is different is so important. We are here to help with that.”
Across the division, officers and employees are wearing pink shirts to show their support.
If you or someone you know is in need of someone to talk to, please use our locations page to find the information for The Salvation Army in your community.
By: Angela Rafuse