A bullying awareness event is coming to the Battlefords in November.
It is called "Bully Free Battlefords Awareness" and it will be held Sunday, Nov. 17 at Don Ross Centre from noon to 4 p.m.
The event's goal is to provide a safe and positive place to learn about the bullying issue. The idea is for a fun event with a positive atmosphere, one where people can come to enjoy themselves and get information. Speakers are planned include retired Saskatoon Police Department sergeant Brian Trainor, who does a talk on bullying, cyberbullying and harassment.,
Organizers were at city council Oct. 15 seeking a waiver on rental fees at the Don Ross Centre for the event. That was granted on a one time only basis and the group is being encouraged to seek non-profit status to pursue future grant funding.
The event is co-chaired by Amanda Maunula and Warne Noyce. They plan to offer lunch, information booths and entertainers at the event.
Organizers say the event was created because the Battlefords has acknowledged an issue with bullying, not only in schools, but throughout the community.
"It started out as a conversation on Facebook between people," said Maunula to reporters. They got together with the schools and brought some volunteers on board and started a Facebook group that quickly attracted 400 members.
"We figured that was a really good sign and kind of kept it going from there," said Maunula.
Planning continues for the event. Maunula says they are still looking for sponsors and booths, and invited anyone to come and put in a booth if it deals with bullying awareness.
This could include "cyberbullying, school bullying, bullying in general, workplace bullying and harassment, what parents can do to help their kids," and other issues. "Anything that could be helpful and positive," Maunula said.
