NORTH BATTLEFORD – North West College is getting onboard with the Better Together! Campaign in the Battlefords
Better Together! was initiated by Pastor Deb McNabb in response to a series of suicides in the Battlefords which deeply impacted the community. Through this experience, and with the support of Allysa Woodrow they created the Better Together T-Shirt Project.
According to North West College, their vision was to connect generations by having them wear and share the message, "We truly are better together. Connected communities are healthy communities."
Community members wore Better Together T-shirts and look for a matching logo on Tuesdays as a way to connect and engage with each other. The project began with 300 students and seniors and has expanded to more than 25,000 shirts worn across the country.
According to campaign organizers, the outcomes are mutual understanding, improved feelings of well-being, decreased loneliness, satisfaction from sharing knowledge and experience, and enhanced social cohesion.
North West College has worked with McNabb and her team to create a BesTEES T-shirt design that reflects instruction at the college. The design incorporates a heart, pencil and eraser to emulate the education sector. On Tuesdays it is worn by all instructors and staff of NWC.
“I am challenging all Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions that are passionate about making a difference in their respective communities to take up this initiative, too” says Dr. Eli Ahlquist, president and CEO of North West College.
“The important message that Better Together shares is something we are excited to be a part of, ensuring our students and staff can increase personal connections while on campus, will provide a positive and engaging learning environment.”
Numerous organizations across the country, including government branches and sports teams have all joined in this campaign.
“I genuinely appreciate North West College and their willingness to be leaders in carrying our message forward” says McNabb. “I felt their heartbeat — to be a community where everyone feels safe, seen, heard, supported, significant and cared for. I thank the college for wearing and sharing our BesTEES and for being ambassadors of our very important message!”
For more information on the Better Together! initiative visit the campaign website: .
