An event at Caroline Bay on Saturday aims to raise awareness of violence against women.
White Ribbon aims to flip the script of ‘‘boys will be boys’’ and focus on all the great qualities boys and men can demonstrate if it is what they are modelled.
Local organiser Michelle Thew said this year the event was encouraging dads, caregivers and mentors to speak to their children about these core issues — respectful relationships, consent and healthy masculinity.
Organisers hoped everyone could play a part in teaching boys to be caring, supportive, ethical, respectful, friendly and generous, and reduce the amount of family violence in the community.
There was definitely a need to raise awareness, and she hoped the event would help people realise there were places they could go for help.
While the stressors of everyday life were contributors, she felt men could support other men to find help if it was needed.
The Te Rito website had links to different organisations that could offer individuals help.
There were links for men too, Mrs Thew said.
It was a free family-friendly event which would have a ‘‘local flavour’’.
There would be performances from Waiata Fit, the Roncalli Kapa Haka group and a local saxophone player, as well as a visit from Fenz and the police.
Local motorcyclists would be arriving at noon, after travelling through South Canterbury bringing attention to White Ribbon Day.
The Rapid Relief Trust would serve free hamburgers and water.
The event will be held on Saturday by the Caroline Bay Lounge from 11am to 1pm.
It was an opportunity for men to show they were against violence towards women, Mrs Thew said.
