May 16 was Moose Hide Campaign day and to date, over 5 million pins have been gifted that are creating conversations about gender-based violence. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation donated $5,000 to the campaign to help fund moose hide pin production and distribution, and workshops for take K-12 students and teachers.

The Moose Hide Campaign started in British Columbia through an Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has grown nationwide with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations committed to taking action.

Moose hide is associated with gentleness, warmth, comfort, hope and love and has been used for ceremonial purposes and clothing for generations. In the campaign, moose hide honours this relationship, maintaining traditional protocols and teachings of Indigenous Elders.

Pinning the square of moose hide or animal-free fabric on your lapel shows a commitment to honouring, respecting and protecting women and children and working to end violence against them.

Photo source: royallepageleadingedge.ca