Saskatchewan Roughrider slotback Nic Demski brought the “Imagine no Bullying” message to students at Assiniboia Elementary School, Lafleche School and Gravelbourg Elementary School on February 13 and 14.
This two-day event took place just ahead of the Red Cross Pink Day on February 22. Following the school visit, Demski stopped at the Assiniboia Co-op Food Store for a meet-and-greet on February 13. Teammate Dan Clark joined Demski in Gravelbourg.
The “Imagine No Bullying” co-sponsors were Southland Co-op, Conexus Credit Union, Lafleche Credit Union, and Dupont. The Canalta Hotel in Assiniboia assisted with accommodations. Pink Day is a campaign by the Red Cross to reach over 100,000 people across Saskatchewan to change the culture around bullying and build safe and respectful communities.
Demski’s heart-filled presentation to the students was motivated by his own background. He experienced bullying growing up in Winnipeg. Although he explained examples of this bullying in a lighthearted way, the students could appreciate how he felt at the time. “Now I want to give back and help.”
He was eager to support the work of the Red Cross on this campaign. His presentation explained to students the fundamentals and issues around bullying, who is involved and tools to cope and resources. He noted that there are four types of bullying: verbal, physical, social and in cyberspace, which is growing more common.
Students are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult, report bullying anonymously online at www. iamstronger.ca, or call Kids Help Phone or Saskatchewan Health Line 811.
Information about the forum and resources designed to help prevent bullying and cyberbullying are available online.
