Welcome to The Pixel Project’s “30 For 30″ Father’s Day Campaign 2013! In honour of Father’s Day, we created this campaign:

  • To acknowledge the vital role Dads play in families, cultures and communities worldwide.
  • To showcase good men from different walks of life who are fabulous positive non-violent male role models.

Through this campaign, we will be publishing a short interview with a different Dad on each day of the month of June.

This campaign is also part of a programme of initiatives held throughout 2014 in support of the Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign that is in benefit of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Pixel Project. Donate at just US$1 per pixel to reveal the mystery Celebrity Male Role Models and help raise US$1 million for the cause while raising awareness about the important role men and boys play in ending violence against women in their communities worldwide. Donations begin at just US$10 and you can donate via the Pixel Reveal website here or the Pixel Reveal Razoo donation page here.

Our fifteenth “30 For 30″ 2014 Dad is Curtis Pollanen from Canada.

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The Dad Bio

Curtis is the Administrative Manager of The Northern Store in Moosonee, ON. He is the father to a beautiful 8-month old daughter, who is his everything. He enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time outside with his family. Family time is very important to him and reading stories together, playing games, and sitting and singing along to music is the best part of his day.

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1. What is the best thing about being a dad?

The best thing is just spending time together and watching my daughter come into her own. Watching her grow and learn, seeing her expressions, everything with her is so rewarding. Greeting her after work and seeing her smile is simply amazing.

2. A dad is usually the first male role model in a person’s life and fathers do have a significant impact on their sons’ attitude towards women and girls. How has your father influenced the way you see and treat women and girls?

My grandfather was more of an influence in my life. His “old school” way of showing respect for women is not seen too often. Showing the respect, love, laughter, and everything in between makes life worth living. Being able to make a woman smile, laugh, and love you is something. By showing women their worth and earning their love and respect is one of life’s best gifts.

3. Communities and activists worldwide are starting to recognise that violence against women is not a “women’s issue” but a human rights issue and that men play a role in stopping the violence. How do you think fathers and other male role models can help get young men and boys to take an interest in and step up to help prevent and stop violence against women?

The best way to step up is to get involved early on. By showing young men the proper respect for all women, it will carry on for a lifetime. By giving compliments, being respectful and courteous, you can be an everyday prince of sorts. Being surrounded by this environment continuously showcases respect at all times, not just when “the mood is right.” Men must also not be afraid to speak up. Many women do not feel that they have anyone to speak up for them, so be that person that makes the difference in their lives. If everyone were to respect women on the same and proper level, the world would be that much better.