This week the CYC building (76 First street) will be lit up pink to support ongoing anti-bullying initiative. The centre will also be printing and distributing 50 Pink shirts to staff and youth on 23rd February – anti-bullying day. Some CYC staff and youth have gone the extra mile and dyed their hair pink to really show that ‘Kindness is one size fits all’.
Being a youth serving organization the CYC has a vested interest in anti-bullying week and pink shirt day. The CYC looks to be a safe space for all its participants and wants to make a big statement.
Lea Pankhurst, Community Development Director at the CYC, said: ‘It is such an important message to send out, there is no room for bullying anywhere. Youth are greatly affected but
the problem goes beyond just young people. We prioritize a respectful and inclusive environment at the centre and want to influence anti-bullying and inclusivity in schools, businesses and sports clubs.’
The CYC Youth Council, staff and Digital Tech Interns will be releasing a public service announcement video across all the CYC social media, showcasing why it is important to be kind, selfless, inclusive among other traits across all age groups.
John Cardillo Jr, CYC staff member, had this to say: ‘Racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and transphobia aren’t welcome at the Collingwood Youth Centre or in
this community. The CYC is dedicated to positive and meaningful change, we hope that our public display of support for anti-bullying causes this week is echoed within the area. We support our youth and are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for them everyday.’
Nathan Frank, 17 years old, a CYC youth and culinary intern: ‘I think everyone has faced bullying before, in one way or another. It happens in Collingwood just like everywhere
else. It’s hard to get up, go to school, and face bullying everyday but places like the CYC support kids like me and give us a place to be ourselves.’
Make sure to check out the CYC this week to see it glow is bright pink to support anti-bullying week!
The Collingwood Youth Centre is co-managed by The Environment Network and Elephant Thoughts with the CYC Youth Council funded by Ontario Trillium and The Town of Collingwood Parks/Rec Grant.
To make a contribution to support the CYC click on: elephantthoughts.com/donations
You can choose CYC from the drop-down menu.
Contact:
Lea Pankhurst at the centre for any questions
705-444-0332
lea@collingwoodyouthcentre.ca
