A few of the younger visitors appeared slightly intimidated by the life-sized RCMP Safety Bear, but École Phoenix Middle School was a bully-free zone Wednesday night during the second annual Anti-Bullying Fun Fair.
The gym was filled with a profusion of pink shirts as Campbell River School District hosted the event to cap a day-long celebration of Pink Shirt.
“This is fabulous for us,” said Thomas Longridge, SD72 Superintendent of Schools, as he strolled through the crowds resplendent in his own pink button-down shirt. “It’s a wonderful integration of things, with kids of all ages getting a chance to communicate with each other while also bringing the community in.”
Among the many activities featured at the fair were Bounce-a-Rama games, donated for the night, face-paining, a photo booth with silly costumes, a book fair and snack stations including cotton candy and a bake sale.
Volunteers were made up largely of Carihi’s Sports Leadership and Interact clubs and Phoenix Middle School’s Fitness and Rec Leadership group, working in partnership. All proceeds raised were to benefit support leadership initiatives promoting diversity through workshops for students.
“In our first fair last year, we charged admission,” said Barb Preston, the event’s organizer. “This year we’re doing it by donation to encourage more people to participate with their friends and families.”
Along with the Bounce-a-Rama, London Drug also provided sponsorship. Other community partners, including Campbell River firefighters and RCMP, including the RCMP Safety Bear, attended.
“It’s so great to see leadership from the local high school and middle school coming together to promote the anti-bullying message while raising money in the community,” said Longridge. “And getting more community involvement through events like this only helps get the message out.”