The purpose of Cold Lake Bully Free is to raise awareness about the serious impact bullying has on individuals, groups and the community, and to explore and share solutions on how bullying can be prevented.

The Bully Free Committee meets monthly to develop programs and events to increase awareness of bullying. It evolved from a task force, formed in 2007 by the City of Cold Lake. The committee includes local agencies and interested citizens who strive to provide opportunities for community groups, recreation and hobby clubs, sport and dance camps, workplaces and the public to learn about prevention skills. If you are interested in having a presentation tailored for your group or joining the committee, please contact FCSS at 780-594-4495.

Annual events

Each year, Cold Lake Bully Free hosts several community events including:

• Pink Shirt Day
• Bully-Free March 
• Pink the Rink 

1. UPDATE: Pink the Rink 2021 is being held on Saturday, December 18, in partnership with the Cold Lake Jr. B Ice. Everyone who attends the game is asked to wear pink, to raise awareness of bullying and ways we can prevent it. We're also holding a Pink the Rink colouring contest throughout the month of November, and the winner will get to drop a ceremonial pink puck before the game on December 18! The contest is open to all Cold Lake students. Here's how to enter:
   1. Download your colouring sheet and get to work! 
   2. Take a photo of your colouring and email it to fcss@coldlake.com or drop it off at the FCSS building by November 30, 2021.
   3. We will announce the winner on December 6, 2021.

Book a presentation

A variety of bully free presentations are available to come to your classroom, event, organization, or group. Presentation topics vary depending on the age group and audience they will be presented to. Some presentations include:

• Hands are not for Hitting / Words are not for Hurting (Pre-K to Grade 1)
• Beyond the Hurt (Grades 2 - 12)
• Shoot to Score (Sports and Recreation Teams / Groups)

We also have a series of 2SLGBTQ+ presentations for schools, organizations, and workplaces, including: 

• Safe Zone Training (Ages 13+)
• How to be an Ally (Ages 12+)

To book a presentation, please contact fcss@coldlake.com.

International Day of Pink

On the International Day of Pink, communities across the country and world unite in celebrating diversity and raising awareness to stop all forms of bullying. 

The day was originated by two teenage students in Nova Scotia who took a stand against bullies at their school. They got the word out online about their idea to wear pink and take a stand against bullies. The next day, hundreds of students showed up in pink clothing and little was heard from the bullies again.

For more information about International Day of Pink and what date each year to wear pink and show your support, visit Day of Pink.

External anti-bullying resources

• PREVNet
• Government of Canada: Bullying
• Bullying Canada
• Red Cross: Bullying and Harassment Protection
• Alberta Human Services