The co-founder of Free the Children and Me to We sits down to discuss the charities and how everyday people can get involved. The conversation offers a window into how the two organizations support youth leadership, education, and community action, and it explains what supporters in Canada and the United States can do to participate. The co-founder’s experience spans decades of work in North America and around the world, and the discussion centers on practical, no‑nonsense paths to making a difference. He describes the synergy between Free the Children and Me to We, where advocacy, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy intersect in daily life. The dialogue makes clear that change starts small in a classroom, in a neighborhood, or through a simple act of generosity, and that lasting results come from connecting donated resources directly to real projects. In Canada and the United States, audiences recognize familiar concerns: access to education, healthcare, and opportunity for young people, alongside the questions of how to fund these efforts without creating waste or bureaucracy. The co-founder’s narrative is grounded in accountability and transparency, and in the idea that responsible giving empowers youth and families to act as catalysts, not spectators. This interview highlights practical, tangible steps people can take, whether they have a few hours to spare or a larger commitment to make.
Me to We operates as a social enterprise that supports Free The Children. Half of Me to We’s annual profits go to Free The Children, creating a direct connection between enterprise success and charitable impact. The model keeps advertising expenses away and administrative fees deliberately low, so more resources reach the projects. Through Me to We, the youth volunteers are honored, and 100% of their donations support international projects, ensuring every contribution makes a concrete difference. In practice, supporters can invest in scalable solutions—from education initiatives to community development—without worrying about overhead eroding impact. The approach resonates with audiences in Canada and the United States who want accountable giving that translates into visible results, backed by transparent reporting and ongoing engagement with the communities served. Me to We demonstrates how social enterprise can pair with grassroots action, turning compassion into sustainable progress and turning good intentions into measurable outcomes. Attribution: Me to We and Free The Children.
When asked what he would wish for, the answer is simple and universal: every child should have the chance to attend school and receive an education. Education opens opportunity and dignity, and it remains a central pillar of the organizations’ work. Today, Free The Children has built more than 650 schools around the world, providing daily access to education for more than 55,000 children. This scale matters because schooling reshapes families and communities, creating a ripple effect that can lift regions toward healthier, more hopeful futures.
Mother Teresa serves as his guiding figure. She reminded him that real impact does not require monumental deeds; it rests in small acts carried out with great love. She is quoted as saying, “you have to realize that in our lives we can do no great things, but we can do small things with great love.” This message underpins the work and invites supporters to see potential in everyday actions and ongoing commitments, whether they are in Canada, the United States, or elsewhere. The lesson is clear: consistent kindness, applied with purpose, compounds over time.
People are encouraged to begin with a simple math equation: Issue + Gift = Better World. An issue can be anything that sparks interest or that seems plainly wrong and deserves action. The gift is equally important because everyone has a gift. When that gift is nurtured and applied to an issue, it translates into tangible change. If someone is gifted in sport, organize a tournament to raise funds for cancer research. If a person has artistic talent, donate a painting to a charity auction to help end hunger. The possibilities for getting involved are endless. The crucial point is to recognize one’s gift and apply it to an issue that matters, turning passion into progress and making the world a little better with each step.