By Brandie Majeau
Excitement is mounting in Thorhild as everyone prepares for the return of the
highly anticipated Thorhild Bullarama on April 19. This year, the Thorhild Agricultural
Society is introducing an exciting new addition to the competition…the Friday Night
Junior Roughstock Event.
Inspired by the impressive performances of two local young riders last year, the
Thorhild Agricultural Society saw an opportunity to further promote the sport of rodeo
amoung youth. Recognizing the value of providing young athletes with a platform to
display their skills, they partnered with the Canadian Junior Rodeo Association (CJRA)
to bring this event to the heart of Thorhild.
The CJRA is one of Canada’s fastest-growing youth rodeo associations,
dedicated to nurturing the next generation of roughstock competitors. The organization
prides itself on offering a safe, structured, and professionally run environment where
young riders can learn, compete, and build confidence. Safety is paramount at CJRA
events, which are supervised by experienced stock contractors, arena crews, chute
helpers, and pick-up men, ensuring all participants are well-supported.
In addition to the adrenaline-pumping rodeo action, the Thorhild Agricultural
Society will also be hosting a colouring contest in the weeks leading up to Bullarama.
Organizers are encouraging families and community members to check the Society’s
website and Facebook page for updates and details on how to participate.
With both seasoned rodeo fans and newcomers alike eagerly awaiting the event,
the Ag Society promises a memorable night of action, sportsmanship, and engagement.
Hold onto that bull rope, it’s going to be one wild ride.
For more information about the Thorhild Bullarama and the Junior Roughstock
Event, visit the Thorhild Agricultural Society online.

By Brandie Majeau
Every year, schools across the country are flooded with a sea of pink. Hallways,
classrooms, and gymnasiums are filled with students and teachers wearing their
brightest and often cleverly punned pink shirts as a powerful symbol of unity and
kindness. This imagery and energy displayed has become known as Pink Shirt Day, an
annual anti-bullying initiative observed in schools to promote respect, inclusion, and
empathy amoung students.
Pink Shirt Day traces its origins to Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2007. The movement
began when two high school students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, saw a fellow
classmate being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. In a spontaneous act of
support, Shepherd and Price purchased dozens of pink shirts and distributed them to
classmates. The next day, the school was awash in pink, quietly demonstrating that this
kind of bullying would not be tolerated.
That simple yet powerful gesture has since blossomed into a global movement.
Today, Pink Shirt Day is marked in schools worldwide, with millions participating each
year. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and courage in the
face of bullying.
Schools play a pivotal role in the Pink Shirt Day campaign. Educators use the
occasion to teach lessons about empathy, respect, and the impact of bullying. There
may also be assemblies, workshops, and class discussions organized to encourage
students to speak out against bullying and to support those who may feel isolated.
Wearing pink becomes more than a fashion statement, it’s a visual declaration that
students and staff are united in their commitment to safe and inclusive environments for
everyone.
The choice of pink is significant. Once a colour used to target and shame, pink is
now a badge of honour and acceptance. It symbolizes the collective strength of
students standing together against bullying. By donning pink shirts, school communities

demonstrate that they will not be bystanders…they will be allies.
Pink Shirt Day continues to grow, fueled by the belief that small acts of kindness
can spark big changes. For students, wearing a pink shirt is a simple act, but the
message behind it is profound: everyone deserves respect and a place to belong. As
Pink Shirt Day returns each year, it reminds all that with compassion and courage,
anyone can stand up to bullying and stand together.

By Brandie Majeau
On February 11, the Redwater Lions held their monthly meeting. This particular
Wednesday included a special acknowledgement and celebration as part of the regular
agenda. The Redwater Lions proudly presented the Melvin Jones Award to Lion Gerald
Whaley. Lion Gerald began his service as a Lion 45 years ago, on June 11, 1980, in
Peace River. Over the past four decades, he has served as a Lions Club member in
several communities, including Gibbons, Drayton Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, and finally
Redwater. Lion Dave McRae, spoke genuinely to Gerald, expressing the honour and
privilege it has been to serve the community alongside him. He reflected that Gerald is
part of an elite group, as only 475,000 people have received the Melvin Jones
Fellowship Award, the highest recognition from Lions Club International, honouring
individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to humanitarian service.
The presentation of the award was a deeply emotional occasion, as each Lion
took a moment to honour Lion Gerald Whaley. “It’s difficult to acknowledge this award
the way it should be,” Gerald said, a sincere admission that words could not fully
capture the depth of feeling accompanying such recognition. The atmosphere was both
celebratory and solemn, as Lion Gerald had also announced his retirement from the
Redwater Lions. “I’m over 80. I’m going to be more at home now.” In his heartfelt
reflections, Gerald shared that his many years of service began in Peace River. “It
moved my heart.” He fondly recalled how the Peace River Lions initiated the safe grad
program, cherishing memories of local RCMP officers finishing their shifts and then
volunteering with the Lions to ensure safe grad was just that, a safe experience for all
who were celebrating.
As the Redwater Lions Club becomes a chapter that comes to a close for Lion
Gerald, it serves as a reminder that it may be the beginning of a new chapter for others.
The Lions Club of Redwater supports the Ochre Park Hot Lunch Program, Redwater
Food Bank, Pioneer Club of Redwater, STARS Foundation, and numerous other
programs and organizations. Members also volunteer at community events throughout
the year and have often been spotted handing out free bags of popcorn. With Gerald’s
retirement, the club is reflective of declining membership and the need for new
members to maintain the viability and continuation of these important programs and
services.
Becoming a Lion is an excellent way to get involved in the community, contribute,
and meet new people. Current members have joined for various reasons: they were
invited, have family members who were Lions before them, or simply found their calling.
The Redwater Lions welcome anyone interested in joining to visit the Pioneer Club on
the second Wednesday of each month at 7:15 p.m., when they host their monthly
meetings. Guests are encouraged to attend, learn about what it means to be a Lion, ask
questions, and get to know the Redwater Lions. For more information, contact Redwater
Community Services or Lion Larry Bucholz at 780-240-7826.