Two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Canadiens player Stéphane Richer has joined Shriners Hospital in the #CutTheBull campaign.
Richer shared his story of overcoming bullying to fifth and six graders at the Henri-Beaulieu School.
“I was beaten at school, I was scared and I did not want to go to school anymore,” Richer said.
While visiting Henri-Beaulieu he encouraged children to speak out when they feel they’re being targeted.
“Don’t be afraid, go see someone,” he said.
“You’re not supposed to be teased, you’re not supposed to be hit, you’re not supposed to be the target at school.”
He decided to join the campaign after his own experience with bullying when he was a young boy.
Richer said he was picked on and beaten in school for being shy and small.
According to Shriners Hospital, 75 per cent of Canadians have been affected by bullying. For children with visible scars or disabilities, that number can be two to three times higher.
The hospital’s Social Services team, meanwhile, said the number of patients who face bullying on a daily basis continues to grow.
The meet-up was organized by the Shriners Hospital as a part of their Giving Tuesday campaign. The hospital’s goal for the campaign is to raise $5,000 to help as many children and teens.
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