This year I decided to do something a little different for our coverage of WE Day. Instead of me going down and sharing my 30-something view of this day which is all about the power of youth to affect change, I recruited the help of someone who could actually appreciate it; I sent a 16 year old. Younger than almost every single one of our readers (barely anyone under 18 ever reads V.I.A.), Georgia Huggan is an aspiring young Vancouver writer who joined our gracious hosts, TELUS, for a day which she won't soon forget. - BK
Words and photos: Georgia Huggan
When entering the stadium the chatter of inspired youth is overwhelming. Over 20,000 students and educators came to this annual celebration of social action and change, from all around British Columbia and as far away as the Yukon.
An initiative of Free the children, WE Day is a spin-off of this international charity, which was founded by Canadians Craig and Marc Kielburger. This year the line up was an incredible mix of motivational speakers, youth taking action, and musical guests. In order to get a ticket to this full day event, students must make a commitment to take action in the world. Students do this by raising money through their school, 100% of profits going straight to the charity with no administration costs whatsoever.
This year the guest speakers included Free the Children ambassador Spencer West, former UN secretary-general and Nobel peace laureate Kofi Annan, Hon. Romeo A. Dallaire, Martin Luther King III, National Chief Shawn Atleo, Inspirational speaker Molly Burke, Robin Wiszowaty, actor Adam Beach, Olympic soccer player Karina Leblanc and the youth speakers Hannah Alper and Vishal Vijay. Each of these speakers had a moving story to share, educating the youth of today about issues such as bullying, clean water shortages, aboriginal rights, and lack of education for women.
Craig Keilburger and Kofi Annan
WE Day really pushes you to think of how you can change the world in little steps. There are many opportunities for change in your community such as We Scare Hunger, an initiative for kids where they trick-or-treat and instead of getting candy they ask for canned goods to give to the food bank. Another easy way to contribute is by participating in the Whistler Water Climb on June 14th. Money is raised through climbing Grouse Mountain’s grouse grind. All proceeds go to brining clean water to developing countries.
WE day will continue to be celebrated for years to come and this event has changed the lives of students from all around the world. Being able to attend WE Day is an incredible opportunity, not to be missed under any circumstance.
Craig Kielburger, Spencer West and Jacob Hoggard
Learn more about WE Day Vancouver HERE.
