In June, Plan Group's WeCare Inclusion and Belonging Committee organized an Orange Shirt Day Fundraiser to show support for truth and reconciliation initiatives in Canadian indigenous communities.
We will allocate a portion of the funds raised from our Orange Shirt Day Fundraising to support True North Aid, a registered charity dedicated to providing practical humanitarian assistance to Indigenous communities in Canada's northern and remote regions.
As the deadline to place orders draws near, we are currently tallying the donations we have received. We will announce the final amount next week.
Remember, this initiative goes beyond simply "buying an orange shirt"—it's an essential gesture of solidarity for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive community.
DID YOU KNOW THAT THESE SHIRTS TELL A STORY? Embracing the resilient teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and The Seven Grandfathers, our Orange Shirt Day Artwork beautifully intertwines wisdom and rich symbolism of indigenous culture. Crafted by the gifted Cree artist Jeremy McLellan, the artwork shares the profound principles that guide the Anishinaabe journey, passed down through generations.
SYMBOLIC ELEMENTS OF OUR ORANGE SHIRT DAY ARTWORK
Love: Represented by the Eagle, symbolizing an open-hearted dedication to our community, hopes, dreams, and prayers.
Respect: Portrayed through the Buffalo, which honours our ancestors, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions.
Seven resilient wildflowers: Represent the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, showing the interconnectedness of all things and the path to a positive way of living.
Calf with its mother: Depicts the bond of family and serves as a reminder to learn from our past mistakes.
Sun: Speaks to healing and peace.
Strawberries: Signify the medicine of reconciliation, sprouting under the June Strawberry Moon.
Together, these elements tell a story of resilience, respect, love, and reconciliation.
This year's fundraiser is more than just purchasing an orange shirt that you'll wear for a day.
It's a meaningful way to demonstrate your support for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Observed every September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a moment for us to acknowledge and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools in Canada. Recognizing this significant part of our past can encourage dialogue and healing and create a more inclusive and understanding atmosphere.
It’s a gesture of compassion towards those who have endured unimaginable hardships.
Through this fundraiser, we aim to make a genuine and impactful contribution to supporting Indigenous communities in Canada. A portion of the proceeds from the shirt sales will be donated to True North Aid, a registered charity dedicated to serving and supporting northern and remote Indigenous communities in Canada through practical humanitarian support.
It's a testament to our deeply rooted WeCare Culture.
Our WeCare culture runs deep, and we're proud to share that our WeCare Inclusion and Belonging Committee is leading this year's campaign. To showcase our commitment to being authentic allies and honouring Indigenous culture, we have collaborated with the talented Jeremy Mclellan, an artist from the Cree Nation. The result is a beautifully designed, unique shirt with deep cultural significance.
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