From February Hero to #PinkForPeace

Over a decade ago, in February 2015, I wrote about Glenn Marais when he was named February Hero of the Month.

At the time, I described him as a Newmarket artist whose music spoke out against injustice and inequality in a voice that was both haunting and hopeful. What stood out most was not just his talent. It was his heart. Glenn believed deeply in empowering young people to become the voice of change our world needs.

Through Music in Mind and the “Say My Name Canada” campaign, Glenn worked to create something different around anti bullying. Not just “stand up” messaging. Not silence. But a wave of active kindness that engaged students, schools and communities leading up to Pink Shirt Day.

I remember when he approached Huron Heights and Bill Havercroft about filming the anti bullying video for “Say My Name.” What began as a school project quickly grew into something national, a month of kindness culminating each year in February.

He has never done it alone.

The Mojo Train, Glenn’s band, has helped carry that message forward through powerful live performances that move both hearts and minds. Dave Robinson has also been a steady supporter of this vision, helping ensure the message of kindness continues to reach new audiences year after year.

More than ten years later, Glenn is still championing the same mission.

This year, he continues the tradition with a free Pink Shirt Day concert on February 25th at Old Town Hall, rallying the community around the theme #PinkForPeace. A reminder that kindness is not passive. It is powerful. It is active. And it is needed now more than ever.

The world still needs kindness. Our young people still need leaders who believe in them. And Glenn, along with The Mojo Train and dedicated supporters like Dave, continues to show up.

Let’s wear pink. Let’s choose peace. Let’s keep building a culture of kindness.

Kelly Broome
Councillor Ward 6
Newmarket
#PinkForPeace