​Half-a-dozen residents from Sturgeon I Retirement Residence enjoyed a bit of extra kindness at Athlone School today as part of the school's Pink Shirt Day observations.

The residents, many sporting pink shirts and sweaters, are part of an Athlone initiative to connect individual seniors with one or more buddy for the year. Buddies meet as part of a group on the last Wednesday of the month and alternate between the school and the seniors' residence.

On Wednesday, February 28, buddies enjoyed Pink Shirt Day crafts, a choral performance and snacks.

Principal Ryan Miller says the program is a great way to demonstrate kindness to the community. "Right from day 1 our Kindergarten students know what our expectations are," he says. "We do kindness here all year long.

Senior Gisela Meyer beamed as a camera crew from Global interviewed her and her two Grade 4 buddies Lucas W. and Rowyn B. about the importance of kindness. She spoke of the need to be compassionate to fellow human beings, especially those that are getting older. Gisela is known in her senior's complex for taking extra steps to help fellow residents, like bringing food to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Her kindness has had an impact on her buddies.

"We need to care for each other and be compassionate," says Rowan B., who pointed out that recently students made bracelets for their buddies. "Treat other people like you want to be treated."

Lucas W. mirrors that sentiment. "Stand up for people," he says. "Never be mean or bully people."

Pink Shirt day is recognized around the world as a day to show support for bullying awareness and prevention. It began in Nova Scotia when students David Shepherd and Travis Price organized a protest to support their fellow Grade 9 student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. At least 10 schools in SJASD participated in the awareness day this year by wearing pink shirts, making a statement during morning announcements, or engaging in classroom activities.

Students are encouraged to report bullying concerns to a trusted member of their school team. SJASD guidance counsellors and resource teachers also have bullying resources available upon request.