May 1st declared as National Day to End Bullying
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada partners with CIBC to create national day to raise awareness and help all youth feel safe
TORONTO, April 8, 2013 – Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) wants to bring an end to bullying and has declared May 1st as Belonging – National Day to End Bullying (www.belonging.ca).
BGCC has partnered with CIBC to help youth affected by bullying and support anti-bullying initiatives designed to ensure all children and youth feel a sense of safety and belonging.
“Bullying is a growing issue facing young Canadians and we’re pleased to partner with CIBC to focus on our shared belief that by building a young person’s sense of belonging, we can ultimately help lessen the negative effects of bullying,” said BGCC President and CEO Pam Jolliffe.
“We know first-hand that when kids have a place to belong and are in a safe and supportive environment they are able to overcome issues and build confidence, self-esteem and resilience.”
Strong and positive relationships are at the heart of every Boys and Girls Clubs, supporting a sense of belonging and acceptance, an effective antidote to bullying. Not every young person has solid relationships to rely on and can be vulnerable to bullying – which is why BGCC has partnered with CIBC to raise public awareness about the damaging effects of bullying on young people.
“As a society, we need to find ways to change the conversation about bullying by promoting healthy relationships so our kids can be safe and have a sense of belonging,” said CIBC Senior Vice President, Sharon Mathers.
“That is why we’re thrilled to be involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada – an organization that works tirelessly to help youth in need. We hope that this campaign can help kids overcome barriers, recognize their self-worth, help them set goals and build plans to achieve their dreams.”
Support of anti-bullying initiatives aligns with CIBC’s commitment to Kids, Cures and Community and is an important part of its objective to nurture and educateCanada’s youth so they can build a better future.
CIBC is a proud long-time supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs who has established numerous youth programs acrossCanada. Over the past 15 years, CIBC has contributed $170 million in support of programs that provide children and youth in need with education, mentoring, leadership skills and healthy active living.
For more information:
Travis Parnaby, Senior Communications Specialist, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, 905-477-7272x270, tparnaby@bgccan.com
Kevin Dove, Senior Director, Media Relations, CIBC, 416-980-8835, kevin.dove@cibc.com
About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading non-profit organization providing programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of more than 200,000 children, youth and their families each year. In 650 locations across Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs offer opportunities, after school and at other critical times when children are not in school, to develop healthy behaviours, academic success, positive relationships and life and leadership skills. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential for over 110 years. Visit www.bgccan.com
About CIBC
CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. With a strategic focus on Kids, Cures and Community, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBCRun for the Cure, the CIBCChildren's Foundation and United Way, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2012, CIBC group of companies contributed over $38 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canadato support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com
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