Stephen Dykstra knows what it’s like to be bullied.
Because of that, the 31-year-old Smithers resident has taken it upon himself to organize an anti-bullying awareness night and fundraiser Feb. 26.
“If you’re bullied at a young age, you are more likely to grow up with depression and I was bullied all the time in school,” Dykstra said.
There will be a brief powerpoint presentation on the subject and a talk by Tina Day from the Northern Society of Domestic Peace.
An open discussion will also take place following Day’s presentation.
The most important thing is not to suffer in silence, Dykstra said.
“From what I understand, not many people knew I was getting bullied,” he said. “For other people in the community, I would suggest they talk to people they trust if they are being bullied.”
Over the last few years, Dykstra has organized numerous fundraisers for various causes, including the Sparrows Christian Housing project, where he now lives.
The NSDP is a non-profit organization that serves the area between Hazelton and Houston, providing services such as pregnancy outreach, victim assistance, professional training and housing.
The Anti-Bullying campaign fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. in the banquet room at Hudson Bay Lodge.
Entry is by donation. All proceeds will be donated to the NSDP.
For more information on the fundraiser, email Stephen Dykstra at sdyk2011@gmail.com.