“We inspire the change, we live the change, we are the change.” – Craig and Marc Kielburger
The sixth annual We Day from Free the Children arrived in Toronto as one of eight Canadian stops, on Friday, September 28, drawing 20,000 students who pledged to take action for local communities and faraway places.
Hosted by musician and former MuchMusic VJ Jesse Giddings, the show featured performances by Nelly Furtado with guest K’naan, Hedley, and Jennifer Hudson, infusing the day with energy, soul, and a tangible sense of possibility.
Every performer and speaker shared a personal story, all linked by a common thread: change is happening because young people today and tomorrow take action.
On stage, Giddings spoke about his volunteer journey to Kenya and urged the audience to step outside their comfort zones. He described carrying two heavy water jugs to a distant source, illustrating the daily hurdles faced by many children and families.
Martin Sheen described activism as a lifeblood rather than a last resort, and it can begin at any age. He urged young people to view social action as something they can begin now, not something reserved for veterans.
Jake Zeldin, who performs as Lil JaXe, energized the crowd with the song Kid With a Dream and shared how overcoming a stutter fuels his confidence to perform before idols such as Drake.
Spencer West, who lost his legs at age five, recently realized a dream by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to champion the Redefine Possible initiative and raise funds for Free the Children’s clean water projects. He reflected on the many moments he could have given up, yet chose to press forward.
There were many moments when he could have given up, he explained, but he did not.
The Kielburgers closed the day by highlighting the power within reach: belief plus action. “We can change the world. You have the tools to make change. We Day is all of you. Believe in yourself. Believe in your causes. Be the change. We are We Day.”
Craig and Marc Kielburger on stage at We Day.
A ticket to We Day is earned. Schools set goals and report progress to Free the Children, and the impact from the prior year included remarkable results: 3.5 million dollars raised for international causes, 2.5 million dollars for local organizations, and 1.7 million volunteer hours. The event stands as a celebration, but more so a push to keep going, because We Day is every day. The impact is credited to Free the Children.
Telus supports youth by inviting them to submit a video outlining an action plan for positive change on Telus for We Day, offering a chance to win 20,000 dollars to turn the idea into action.
Jennifer Hudson on stage at We Day.
Other ideas to support Free the Children include:
- We Scare Hunger — This Halloween, trick-or-treat for non-perishable food items. Thousands of students, workers, and community members collect canned goods at schools, workplaces, and communities and deliver them to local food banks. Learn more about the hunger-relief initiatives from Free the Children.
- We Are Love — For Valentine’s Day, supporters can purchase Love is buttons and Valentine’s Day cards to support the Adopt a Village campaign. Proceeds fund Free the Children programs aiding villages in need.
- We Are Silent — On Free the Children’s birthday, participants spend a day in silent solidarity with voices that are unheard. This year the initiative invites people to share what they are doing and why on social media to spread the message. More information and pledge sheets are available through Free the Children’s programs.