Imagine No Bullies a Success! - Croix

Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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In This Issue:
P1: Imagine No Bullies a
Success
P2: “Black & Purple” Girls
Reach Kids Through Song
P3: Heroic Injury Prevention
Coordinator Saves the
Summer
Disaster Preparedness
Presentations Rewarding
Imagine No Bullies a Success!
The Canadian Red Cross publicly launched its
Imagine...No Bullies appeal in August 2007. The goal
was to raise $100,000 and build awareness about the
issue of bullying. Though a final total has not been
confirmed, the success of the appeal is certain.
Many communities embraced the issue of bullying
and the desire to stop it. In Yorkton, race car owner
Leonard Sebulsky advertised the appeal on the side
of his car. In Regina, Street Culture collected tips
P4: Making an Extreme
Norm Jakubowski & Cindy Fuchs at
at its cafe to donate to the appeal and the Regina
Difference
Imagine No Bullies press conference
Police Services held fundraisers throughout the
summer. Moose Jaw hosted two fundraising concerts
P6: Volunteers Needed:
Become a Prevention Educator by Canadian Idol stars Tyler Lewis and Theresa Sokyrka. All of these organizations and
events helped increase awareness about the need for bully prevention.
P5: Peace Day Project
Assistant: A Red Crosser for
Life
P7: What’s Happening?
P8: Donate Now
Canadian Red Cross
Southern Saskatchewan
2050 Cornwall Street
Regina, SK S4P 2K5
(PH) 306-721-1600
(Fax) 306-721-1601
www.redcross.ca
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“Imagine No Bullies has been a positive initiative for several reasons. Of greatest
value to us has been the increased awareness about the issue of bullying. This
awareness has lead to a second positive development, which is a linking of the
Canadian Red Cross and RespectED to the issue. In this region many people and
organizations see RespectED as leading the way in ‘bully education’. Of course the
third positive development has been increased funding to carry on the work of
prevention education,” says RespectED Coordinator Norm Jakubowski.
The Red Cross plans to train 50 “Bully Prevention Teams” that will consist of a teacher
or administrator, two or three youth and a parent or community member. Each team will
receive extensive training in Beyond the Hurt, a bully prevention education program.
Thanks to all the staff members and volunteers who helped with this appeal, along
with the organizations and individuals who supported it, the Red Cross will be able to
reach an additional 1500 youth in schools and communities throughout Southern
Saskatchewan.
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Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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“Black & Purple” Girls Reach Kids
Through Song
On September 12th, 2007 Brea Lawrenson & Braiden Turner, fondly
known as the “Black & Purple Girls”, arrived for a one week tour
of Southern Saskatchewan. Turner & Lawrenson are the youth
ambassadors for the Canadian Red Cross RespectED program and
toured schools in Western Canada to talk about the importance of
bully prevention.
Turner & Lawrenson were bullied when they were younger and the
effects were devastating for them and their families. Both girls
struggled throughout adolescence to overcome the pain of bullying.
Fortunately, they had music to help them heal.
These talented young women co-wrote a song called Black & Purple,
which was written from the bully’s perspective. “We wanted to give the
bully a voice,” says Turner. “I have been both a victim and a bully
so I know that sometimes people hurt others to make themselves feel better because they are going through
something at home or school.”
Braiden Turner & Breanne Lawrenson
Turner & Lawrenson toured Southern Saskatchewan for one week visiting schools and community centres in
Weyburn, Estevan, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Balgonie and Regina. They were also the opening act for the
Theresa Sokyrka fundraising concert held at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre on September 12th, and performed
at a fundraising barbeque held at Extreme Hockey & Sport in Regina on September 15th. They sang songs and
shared their powerful story with over 2000 kids.
“I had music and my mom to help me through the hard times. I tell kids to make sure they have someone to talk
to like a parent, counsellor, or even an aunt or uncle; someone they trust. I also tell them to use a hobby, such as
music, soccer, or art, to get out their frustrations,” explains Lawrenson.
Turner is quick to let kids know how great it is that the Red Cross offers bully prevention education to schools.
“We didn’t have that when I went to school,” she admits.
Overall, the tour in Southern Saskatchewan was a great success. Turner & Lawrenson had a strong impact on
students, teachers, and parents in attendance. For more information on bully prevention visit
www.redcross.ca/respected. To find out more about Brea Lawrenson and her newly released CD “No Regrets”
visit www.breanoregrets.com.
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Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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Injury Prevention Coordinator
Saves the Summer
Once upon a time, in a far away land,
there lived a safety conscious maiden
named Megan Jakubowski. Though the
Queen desired that Megan marry a cute
knight, Megan resisted (for a few years at
least!) and chose instead to save the kingdom of Southern Saskatchewan from the
Gobbley Googley Monsters deep in its
seas. As the Summer Injury Prevention
Coordinator she embarked on a three
Megan Jakubowski
month safety expedition.
Supervised by Lady Rebecca Benko, Megan travelled to
distant lands to teach people about safety in, on, and
around the water. Megan faced fierce fire breathing dragons
(in 38 degree weather it sure feels like fire!) and the
challenge of providing a diverse population with an effective
water safety program. Eventually, safety prevailed and the
people of Southern Saskatchewan were saved from the
dangers lurking in their seas.
Through numerous presentations and displays Megan was
able to inform people about wearing a lifejacket, having
adequate supervision, and always evaluating dangers in
the water. She felt a great sense of accomplishment when
children could readily tell her these three key lessons.
Megan’s journey eventually came to an end but she will
always remember Lady Rebecca and all of the other
wonderful aristocrats at the Canadian Red Cross for the
support, encouragement, and laughs they offered
throughout the summer. She hopes to return again, in her
shining armour, to triumph over the dragons, defeat
monsters and save the kingdom from preventable tragedy
next year!
By: Megan Jakubowski
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Disaster Preparedness
Presentations Rewarding
This summer I was chosen to
do presentations on disaster
preparedness to youth in
vulnerable areas. I wanted to
reach kids so that they could
pass along the information to
their families. What better
way is there?
Michelle Balkwill
I did 30 presentations
throughout the summer. My first presentation was at
PlayEscapes, which is offered by the City of Regina
each summer. Although not all locations were in
vulnerable areas, they each allowed me to reach
children. I presented to children from both higher and
lower income families and I am certain they learned a
lot through the different activities I offered.
I also set up an activity at Rider football games. This
activity was for the whole family to enjoy and learn
about disaster preparedness.
I did a presentation in a Provincial Park as well as
poster and information displays in Fort Qu’Appelle,
Senior Homes and Treaty Four. I covered a lot of
ground this summer!
After this experience, I believe I gained more than I
gave. It is touching to see a youth’s face light up after
he/she has gotten an answer right.
Over this summer, despite the hard work and
frustration in getting lost, I learned that everything is
done for a reason. And mine was a very good reason.
Would I do it all again if I could? I would in an instance.
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Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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Peace Day Project Assistant:
A Red Crosser for Life
This summer I was lucky enough to be hired at the Canadian Red Cross as the
Peace Day Project Assistant. I have never enjoyed a job as much as I have at the
Red Cross and I have loved every minute of it.
On September 21st, 2007,the 3rd Annual “Hear the Children” Peace Day
welcomed 800 children, close to 200 volunteers, special guests and sponsors to
Wascana Park to learn about and promote peace. Much of the day could not have
happened without the hard work of the Red Cross staff. We could not have hoped
for a better day, even if the sun came with a true Saskatchewan wind!
The most challenging part of my job has been not thinking about my project
outside of work! Peace Day is such a wonderful event that ideas and tasks are
Amanda Kleisinger
always flowing in my head, no matter what I'm doing. Although this event flies by in
a matter of hours, I am always thinking of new ways to do things and new
partnerships within our community. I'll be dreaming about Peace Day for months to come!
The most rewarding part of my job has been the opportunity to be responsible for such a large project, and be
trusted that everything will turn out great. I always strive to do a good job and I find that at the Red Cross,
recognition and encouragement is always available. The individuals that I work with have been extremely
supportive and helpful. I am so lucky to have landed this job! The value of such a position for my personal
growth has been outstanding.
I do not think I could ever choose a best memory when it comes to this
project. Some that would definitely come in the top five would be chasing
after the tents rolling in the wind with Rebecca Benko, seeing the faces of the
children as they manoeuvred through the Peace Day activities and laughing
out loud with Debra Peterson (especially during the tough times).
I want to thank everyone at the Red Cross Regina office for making my
summer so memorable. I cannot stress how much I enjoyed going to work
everyday. Special thanks to Debra Peterson, Sandy Shand and Lori Holt for
keeping me light-hearted and on my toes! They are all strong women that I
look up to immensely. I look forward to volunteering now in the Red Cross
Veterans craft room and learning more about the RespectED and Disaster
Response programs. I don't think the Red Cross will ever get rid of me!
Peace March, Wascana Park in
Regina, 2007
By: Amanda Kleisinger
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Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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Making An Extreme Difference
On Saturday, September 15th, Extreme Hockey & Sport in
Regina held a fundraiser and celebration barbeque for the
Canadian Red Cross Imagine...No Bullies appeal. The full
day event offered barbequed burgers and hotdogs, fantastic
prizes, a Dino Bouncer for the kids to enjoy, face painting, and
performances by RespectED youth ambassadors and singers
Brea Lawrenson & Braiden Turner.
Turner & Lawrenson performed for the crowd once in the
morning and once in the afternoon. They sang upbeat songs
from Brea’s new album No Regrets and also did a few cover
songs. When they performed their song “Black & Purple”, which
is written from a bully’s perspective, they visibly touched those
lucky enough to witness it. After their first performance they
Brea Lawrenson & Braiden Turner
presented
Jason Degelman and Kaytlyn Barber of Extreme
presenting poster to Kaytlyn Barber &
Jason Degelman of Extreme Hockey & Sport Hockey & Sport with an autographed poster.
Face Painters from Street Culture arrived at around 1:00 pm
and within minutes they were surrounded by eager children
requesting they be decorated as rabbits, ninja turtles,
superheroes, and crocodiles. This was a definite highlight at
the event, not only for the kids, but also for many of the
adults.
Volunteers and Extreme staff members were easy to
recognize at the event due to the bright red Imagine...No
Bullies t-shirts that were made for them. With the great deals
and promotions offered inside and outside of the store, along
with a Z99 DJ on location, many people in Regina and area
attended the event.
Staff members of Extreme Hockey & Sport
This event was a success thanks to Jason Degelman,
Kaytlyn Barber, all the staff of Extreme Hockey & Sport, as well as all the great volunteers who helped
out.
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Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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Volunteers Needed!
Become a Prevention Educator
Volunteers are needed to provide RespectED Violence & Abuse Prevention presentations. Prevention Educators
are the front line people for RespectED and are its lifeline. All applicants are carefully screened before being
selected. They are then trained and certified to deliver RespectED programs to youth and adults.
Prevention Educators are asked to make a two year commitment. The programs that they deliver are: “It’s Not Your
Fault”, a child/youth maltreatment prevention program; “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”, a relationship/dating
violence prevention program, and “Beyond the Hurt”, a bully prevention program.
What Can You Gain?
• You will meet new people and develop new friendships.
• You will have a direct impact on your community.
• You will “get your feet wet” if you are entering fields such as psychology, social services, healthcare or
•
•
education.
You will gain over $1700 worth of training for only $100.
You will learn valuable employment skills such as public speaking and presentation skills.
What Could You Give?
• You may be the only person who provides the right information at the right moment to help a hurting child or
youth.
• You will be a positive role model and make positive connections with young people in an interactive
environment.
• You will directly contribute to making a young person’s life better.
“It really touched me that someone cared enough about others to go out and teach this to us. I think it’s a
really hard subject to talk about and I’m grateful you came out.”
— Grade 8 Student
For information on becoming a Prevention Educator please contact Donna Brewster, RespectED Assistant
Coordinator, at (306) 721-1608 or [email protected].
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Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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What’s Happening?
Disaster Management Training in South Sask Region
September started with the Training Team hitting the ground running! Courses offered to
Disaster Management volunteers included Level 2 courses – Supervising Disaster Workers,
Supervising Direct Services; Standard First Aid and CPR; and the Introduction to the Red Cross
Movement workshop.
Upcoming courses in Moose Jaw:
Disasater Management Level 2 – Supervising Disaster Workers, October 20th and 21st
Disaster Management Level 2 – Supervising Direct Services, November 17th and 18th
Upcoming courses in Yorkton:
Disaster Management Level 2 – Supervising Direct Services, September 29th and 30th
Introduction to the Red Cross Movement Workshop on October 21st.
On-line courses are also available. The following courses are offered on-line:
Self Care for Disaster Workers
Disaster Management Level 1 – Providing Relief Services.
Registration for the online courses is accepted by the 15th of the month prior to the month
participants wish to take the course.
A basic course, Disaster Management Level 1 – Relief, is being planned in Whitewood for the
November 17th weekend.
All course registrations go to the training office in Regina. Please call (306) 721-1600 for more
information.
Join the Canadian Red Cross! Becoming a member means
you can help the Red Cross remain relevant and responsive into the
future — with your voice you can ensure Red Cross continues to be the
greatest humanitarian organization in the world.
Visit www.redcross.ca and become a member today!
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Volume 2 , October 4th, 2007
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To contribute a story or story idea please contact:
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