PAWsitive Stories
Giving back is at the heart of everything we do at Giant Tiger. Designed to make a meaningful difference for young people across Canada, Giant Tiger Stores Limited and Kids Help Phone are proud to launch its fourth-year exclusive pink shirt in support of Anti-Bullying Day, created in collaboration with the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG).
Last summer, the OAG hosted a youth workshop for artists aged 15–25, facilitated by Illustrator, Comic Book Artist, and Workshop Facilitator, Andy Akangah. Participants created original shirt designs, with all works to be featured in a public exhibition at the OAG from January 17 to April 12, 2026. Hailey-Lynn’s standout design entitled Be the Light was selected as the official artwork for this year’s shirt.
“I’ve always been drawn to becoming an artist,” said Andy Akangah. “I remember watching shows, like anime and cartoons, and then drawing what I’d just seen on TV. I’ve always just been drawing.”
The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is Ottawa’s municipal art gallery and cultural hub. Located in the city’s downtown core, the expanded Gallery’s permanent collection features more than 1,020 works across painting, sculpture, graphic arts, photography, and new media. OAG believes art and culture are essential to belonging and foundational to the society we aspire to build, supporting artists at all stages of their careers through exhibitions, mentorships, acquisitions, funding, and recognition, and fostering community connection through collaborations and partnerships with organizations including Giant Tiger and Kids Help Phone.
“I wanted to share my skill with younger artists and growing up, I had to find my own cues and ways into the art world, and it was very tough. So, now that I’m in a place to teach and give back, I always welcome it. I’m always keen on sharing what I learned and really setting up the future.”
By bringing youth voices into the creative process, this collaboration ensures the campaign is not only for young people, but by them.
“What’s most interesting is that this process was an open call to art students and young adults,” said Andy. “We received a lot of positive engagement from the start, and now in our second year, we have a lot to show for it. Each year, the interest continues to grow.”
This year’s winner, Be the Light, was created by Hailey-Lynn and selected for its bright, uplifting message and design.
“What stood out to me about Hailey-Lynn’s design was just how much it really got straight to the point. I think it goes a long way in establishing what’s happening in the artwork and how it’s an inspirational statement. You really want to brighten up someone’s world.”
Through our partnership with Kids Help Phone, the Pink Shirt Campaign helps raise awareness and support for e-mental health services across the country. 100% of the profits from the sale of the Pink Shirt are donated to Kids Help Phone.
“I feel lucky to be able to support young folks that are struggling with mental health. I think we’re more open to mental health and how it affects our day-to-day lives,” said Akangah. “It’s OK to be vulnerable, it’s a strength to be able to open your heart and let people in to help. I think it’s powerful to use such a big platform to encourage young people to openly seek help and to create art that feels good and does good, at such a young age.”
By purchasing the Pink Shirt, customers can help support youth mental health services across Canada and stand with us in creating kinder, more inclusive communities – because together, we can all Be the Light. 100% of the profits raised from the sale of the shirt are donated to Kids Help Phone to support e-mental health services.
To learn more about the new design and Giant Tiger’s partnerships with Kids Help Phone and the Ottawa Art Gallery, visit www.gianttiger.com.