Although they have a clown’s nose on, students at Hyde Park Public School are taking bullying seriously.
The students helped kick off the Fort City Kinette Club’s fundraising campaign for the George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation Thursday. The annual fundraising campaign called Clowning for Change placed more emphasis on bullying following the tragic death of Nova Scotia teen Rehtaeh Parsons.
Fort City Kinette’s president Michelle Woods said with the 17-year-old’s death being so prevalent in the media, they felt it appropriate to try to tackle the issue of bullying. “If we start early with awareness amongst (younger students) then they will realize that bullying is something that’s not acceptable and they can help each other too,” she said. “Each nose sells for $2 and the school gets to keep a dollar with the other dollar going to George Jeffrey to help with their fundraising. The nose signifies differences and how we can all be accepted if we all come together and share in one common thing.”
She added that they encourage as many schools as possible to participate.
Grade 2 students Jorja Beerthuizan and Callum Stewart agreed that bullying wasn’t something that’s acceptable in schools or anywhere.
Although she finds clowns creepy, Jorja wore her clown nose to school because she knew she was helping out with a good cause. “It raises money for George Jeffrey,” she said. “It feels pretty good to know those people that need help are getting your help.”
Callum, who is in the middle of reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, agreed with his classmate that it was important to help.
He said he was happy to wear the red nose. “The best part of it is you can wear it for fun,” he said. “But it feels good because it is the right thing to do. If someone is just going to bully someone, you can just stand up for yourself and also help others.”
IN addition to Hyde Park, clown noses are available for sale at the following schools:
Sir Winston Churchill High School
Algonquin Avenue Public School
C.D Howe Public School
Crestview Public School
Agnew H. Johnston Public School
Nor’Wester View Public School
Pope John Paul II
Anyone wishing to become involved in the campaign or wanting more information can call 624-9066.
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