Erik and Melinda Karlsson kick-start organization that aims to end bullying
Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson and his wife, Melinda, have announced the creation of a charitable organization that aims to support initiatives to raise awareness to the effects of bullying and cyber-bullying.
Earlier this year, the Karlssons alleged they had been victims of harassment and cyberbullying going back to last fall. The situation escalated after the loss of their unborn child in the spring, with someone under the handle @sandydandy posting a comment that prompted Erik Karlsson to reply: “You are a disgusting person.”
In June, Melinda Karlsson filed an application for an order of protect against Monika Caryk (the longtime girlfriend of former Senators forward Mike Hoffman). The application alleges a season-long campaign of targeted online harassment.
Caryk and Hoffman have denied the allegations.
The Karlssons’ organization, Can’t Dim My Light, will raise funds for the Proud To Be Me campaign, which is run by a local organization that aims to prevent bullying and create safe environments for children. The funds will be used to run six-week workshops at Ottawa schools.
The event will include a community walk, which will be free and open to all. Fundraising for the event will see the sale of T-shirts or glowsticks to carry on the walk. There will also be the opportunity for participants to donate to the charity.