April 24th
A new movement to remember that, even in our differences, we can move forward together!
Montreal, March 2, 2026 – On April 24th, a mismatched pair of shoes will become a powerful message. The organization, which works for respect for differences and against bullying and discrimination, TOGETHER for respect for diversity, and PACT! are mobilizing to launch the Day of the "impossible" pairA Canadian movement is inviting people to wear two different shoes to make respect a visible gesture. The movement will have the support of organizations and companies such as L'Oréal Canada and Air Canada, committed partners of the project, who will mobilize their teams around a concrete act of solidarity, and ALDO. The message is clear: Even in our differences, it is possible to move forward together.
Launched as part of ENSEMBLE's 30th anniversary, this day of mobilization aims to raise public awareness of the importance of respect and inclusion, given the concerning recent data. By 2025, 65% of elementary and secondary school students in Quebec are projected to have experienced at least one form of violence, including bullying, racism, sexism, cyberbullying, or homophobia.1Across Canada, nearly 70% of young people aged 12 to 17 report having been exposed to bullying.2.
« These figures highlight the scale of the work that remains to be done. Awareness-raising must begin early, in schools, where young people develop their relationships with others. Social movements like the Day of the "Impossible" Pair help to open up dialogue, normalize difference, and create spaces where respect becomes a shared value. ", said Rafael Provost, general manager of ENSEMBLE for respect for diversity.
« Supporting initiatives like this means investing in a culture of respect. When simple actions can fund organizations working on the ground, while also fostering dialogue, the social impact is significant. ", Explain Stephen Bronfman, founder of PACT!.
A simple gesture, a concrete impact
As part of this first edition, L'Oréal Canada is committed to donating a minimum of $2 per member of its staff in order to support the movement. Through this fundraising campaign, half of the funds raised will contribute to the mission of ENSEMBLE, while the other half will be redistributed to five organizations active in the fight against hatred and the promotion of living together, chosen by young people in a provincial competition.
« Building a future together means celebrating each identity in its difference for a collective future "Adds Maya Colombani, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Development, Human Rights, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, for L'Oréal Canada.
Powered by companies such as Air Canada and ALDO, the movement will also benefit from collaborations, the details of which will be announced in the coming weeks, while other announcements will further enrich the initiative. Mobilization efforts in schools will also amplify the project's reach across Quebec.
“At Air Canada, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our success. They allow us to attract the best talent and to reflect, through our teams around the world, the cultural richness of our customers and communities.”explain Eric Lauzon, Director, Community Relations and Partnerships, Air Canada.
An initiative destined to grow
Conceived as an evolving project, the "impossible" pair Day could see subsequent deployments elsewhere in Canada, and then in North America, following an evaluation of the Quebec pilot project.
« Hate and bullying don't magically disappear. Simple gestures that spark conversations are needed, especially among young people. The "impossible" pair is an accessible symbol that allows us to approach respect differently in schools, families, and public spaces. "Says Andy Nulman, partner of PACT!.
About TOGETHER for respect for diversity
TOGETHER for respect for diversityFounded in 1996, ENSEMBLE fights bullying and discrimination by raising awareness among nearly 36,000 young people in Quebec and beyond each year. Through its workshops in schools and projects like Empreintes (Footprints), the organization addresses issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Based on the philosophy of human rights, ENSEMBLE also offers training to adults and businesses to create inclusive environments. Thanks to a dedicated team, the organization inspires collective awareness and a lasting impact on respecting diversity.
About PACT!
PACT! PACT! is a Canadian movement co-founded by Stephen Bronfman and Andy Nulman, born from a stark observation: hate is on the rise, and remaining a spectator is no longer an option. With a mission to help make hate socially unacceptable, it mobilizes the public around concrete, accessible, and unifying initiatives. PACT! distinguishes itself through a bold approach that repurposes certain codes usually used to divide, harnessing them instead for the good, dialogue, and living together. Through its projects, the movement aims to foster visible actions capable of creating conversations, bringing communities together, and supporting organizations working on the ground.
About L'Oréal Canada
L'Oréal Canada is a subsidiary of the L'Oréal Group, the world leader in beauty. Established in 1958, the Canadian subsidiary has a head office, manufacturing facility, and distribution centre in Montreal, a sales office in Toronto, and employs more than 1700 people from 73 different nationalities. Products from its 39 iconic brands are available through all distribution channels, including hair salons, department stores, mass retailers, pharmacies, medical spas, and e-commerce. Its purpose, to create beauty that moves the world forward, defines its vision of beauty as inclusive, ethical, generous, and responsible. With ambitious social and environmental commitments set out in the L'Oréal for the Future program, the subsidiary also actively supports L'Oréal Foundation programs such as L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science. Through its various programs and partnerships, L'Oréal Canada and its brands support more than 110,000 Canadians annually. To learn more about our impact in Canada: www.loreal.ca.
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1 TOGETHER for respect for diversity. (2026). Portrait of perceptions and realities experienced in the school environment.
2 Children First Canada. (2025). Raising Canada Annual Report.
