May 9, 2018 - The City of Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council and respect. Initiative, in partnership with Lakehead Public Schools, kicked-off Thunder Bay's 3rd Annual Everyone Matters Day Campaign today. The global inclusiveness campaign encourages us to not judge or stereotype others, to respect humanity, and emphasizes that everyone has the right to be respected and be who they are. This year's focus is on preventing and addressing bullying.

The Campaign launched at Redwood Park Church Theatre, with a Proclamation marking Everyone Matters Day in Thunder Bay. "Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect," said Mayor Keith Hobbs. "Every day should be Everyone Matters Day, but today is a reminder that we should all do our best to be inclusive, and show respect for everyone in our community." 

Over 300 Grade 6-8 students from Claude E. Garton, Ogden, McKellar Park, Norwesterview and Crestview schools, and members of Crestview School's Anti-Bullying Program and Westgate's On-Track Peer Mediation Program, attended. Thunder Bay Police Service members, Benjamin Murray, local hip-hop artist and winner of the 2018 respect. Award, and Taylor Gorrie (Taylorpedia) also participated. 

"We need to keep working together to address bullying in our community," said Jeff Upton, Education Officer with Lakehead Public Schools and Chair of the Crime Prevention Council. "Bullying can have devastating effects on the physical and mental well-being of students; these effects can be long-term, and be felt through families and the broader community. It's a very serious issue." 

Students also learned more about the City's respect. Initiative. "Creating a respectful community is everyone's responsibility and it begins with each one of us demonstrating respect for ourselves and others," said Stan Legarde, the City's respect. Intern. "Every day we need to ask ourselves how we can be better members of the community, be more compassionate and support others." 

The Campaign is extended through social media to citizens, who are invited to take selfies while holding a #IAM Sign and filling in the blank space with a unique fact - something you are proud of or something that makes you individually unique. Then, upload your selfie to Facebook, tag @respect.initiative and @cityofthunderbay, and hashtag #everyonematters and #respecttbay.

Everyone Matters Day launched in fall 2012. This year, more than 60 Mayors across the globe have signed on to the Everyone Matters Day Campaign.

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Contact:    Lee-Ann Chevrette, Crime Prevention Council Coordinator, 625-2554, lchevrette@thunderbay.ca