By Diane Strandberg
Black Press
The mother of Amanda Todd is lauding the efforts of anti-bullying advocates who are trying to make Port Coquitlam a bully-free zone and hopes people will join the Snowflake Walk to End Bullying this weekend.
Carol Todd was at last week’s Be Someone launch and is getting behind the walk planned for Sunday, Dec. 9, beginning at the Port Coquitlam recreation centre.
“It’s keeping the cause alive,” said Todd, who said she appreciates the effort to acknowledge what her daughter went through.
The name Snowflake Walk is reminiscent of the Princess Snowflake nickname that Todd gave to her daughter, who in recent years attended schools in Maple Ridge and where she was subjected to bullying.
Although the snowflake image is still emotionally-charged for her, she supports its use as an anti-bullying symbol if the lives of children and youth are improved by the stamping out and intolerance of bullying whether online or face to face.
“It keeps it going, it keeps the initiative going, that’s what needs to happen,” Todd said.
Last week Port Coquitlam businessman Gary Mauris and Mayor Greg Moore launched several initiatives to combat bullying in the city.
In addition to making bullying illegal with a bylaw, to be voted on Dec. 10, a website and bullying awareness information is being developed for parents and kids.
As well, Mauris and Moore announced first annual Snowflake Walk for Dec. 9, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre.
It will be an opportunity for people to take a stand against bullying, Mauris said.
It will start at the rec centre and end at Riverside secondary, where there will be activities and an opportunity to purchase t-shirts and bracelets with the funding to go towards ending bullying in Port Coquitlam.
People can also donate directly to the I am Someone Foundation
Money will go towards tools and resources to fight bullying.
• More information about the Snowflake Walk to End Bullying, including a map is available at www.snowflakewalk.com.
