Purple Shirt Day is this week and Bruce Grey Child and Family Services says it is in support of vulnerable children, youth and families in the community.
Bruce Grey Child and Family Services Dress Purple Committee Chair Ryan Thompson says the day on Oct. 27, is a nearly 30-year-old initiative.
“We use the month of October to remind people about their role in keeping children in our community safe from abuse and neglect,” says Thompson. “The evolution of the campaign has changed from originally an initiative in the greater Toronto area that focused on child abuse education, to something now that’s a little more community based, and focuses on how children operate in society and how our community partners in mental health and education can help to understand how adults play a role in keeping children safe in the community.”
He adds how the campaign also allows adults to talk to children about their right to safety and safe spaces, as well as their identity.
Thompson says the pandemic also illuminated how children can become isolated.
“It created some concern when people are more isolated, they are not in the community as much, we don’t have the same number of adults intersecting with children and making sure that they are safe and well in the community,” says Thompson.
Thompson encourages residents to dress up in purple and let children know about their right to safety as well as the resources available.
More details can be found on the Bruce Grey Child and Family Services website here.
