A non-profit grassroots organization is doing its part to spread awareness of the stress and anxiety that can be caused because of bullying.

Former Halifax Rainmen star Eric Crookshank says he began “Bench Bullying” because he knows what it’s like to be talked down to.

"I'm going to give these children in Halifax what I didn't have, and that's a public figure to come back to my neighbourhood when I was having tough times and talk to me. I didn't have guys to do that," said Crookshank.

Crookshank’s professional basketball career brought him to Halifax, where he decided to give back the best way he knew how.

His work is making a difference especially for kids like Rylan Cooper, who was born with a rare condition called CLOVES syndrome.

He says bullying used to be a regular part of his life.

"When I first started going to school, I started getting made fun of because of my leg, and I just hated it,” said Rylan. “A few years after I started at Seaside, Eric just came… he said, ‘If you need me, just call.’ He helped me with everything.”

Rylan says that’s when things changed.

"I just made a lot of new friends now,” he said. “I was too shy before."

Parent Vanessa Asia-Symonds says Crookshank’s organization is a step in the right direction.

"It's just important that people are aware that bullying is not cool,” she said. “It's happening so much more now, and for there to be an organization like this that's making it so much more aware to everyone, it's very important for us to be on board and come out and support things like this."

Crookshank hopes he’s sending an important message for kids as they get ready to head back to school.

“There's no age limit to bullying and we're just trying to push that away," he said.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Allan April.