Bathurst Becoming Blue To Stamp Out Bullying
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By James Mallory
The Northern Light, Bathurst, NB
Having the blues this Wednesday will be a good thing, according to Robbie Frenette.
The anti-bullying activist from Bathurst has coordinated a National Anti-Bullying Awareness Day called Blue Day. The idea is to raise awareness in the fight against bullying.
"We have sent request to every community in New Brunswick. So far, Bathurst (and Woodstock have) declared Dec. 17 as Blue Day," said Mr. Frenette last week.
At last night's regular monthly public meeting of Bathurst city council, Mayor Stephen Brunet announced that Bathurst will participate in Blue Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue in support of the initiative.
"Bullying is not acceptable and we're glad that they are highlighting it on this day. On that day, hopefully everyone will take a break and think about the affects of bullying," the mayor told The Northern Light last week.
Mr. Frenette, a victim of bullying in the past, has been promoting anti-bullying awareness since he was a student at Bathurst High School. He graduated last June and is now a first-year journalism student at the New Brunswick Community College in Woodstock.
Mr. Frenette co-founded the website BullyingCanada.CA which was launched on Dec. 17, 2006.
"I was very pleased to receive word that the City of Bathurst have chose to declare the 17th as Blue Day," said Mr. Frenette. "This entire campaign has already been a success, as of today we have 25 schools taking part across New Brunswick."
He intends to continue to fight against bullying by taking his voice to the federal government with the help of New Democrat Yvon Godin, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst.
"In the New Year, all petitions will be brought to Yvon Godin. He will then present the petitions in Ottawa on our behalf," concluded Mr. Frenette.
