Colonel Chris Hadfield reminded audiences that every person carries a spark strong enough to reach any dream, saying that a roomful of hope can ignite real change. “Today, you are 20,000 stars with a light inside you to achieve anything you believe in,” he added, and the crowd absorbed the message. On Friday, September 20, more than 20,000 students, educators, and change-makers filled Air Canada Centre in Toronto to witness a lineup of performers, speakers, and stories. The event was part of WE Day, now known for its year-long We Act program that motivates young people to act locally and globally. The Toronto stop opened a season that would span twelve stops across Canada, the United States, and even London, England.
On stage, co-host Darren Criss was joined by his GLEE co-star Jacob Artist, bringing energy and warmth to the night.
WE Day Toronto was hosted by three familiar voices who know how to energize a crowd: Much VJ Scotty Willats, MTV host Aliya-Jasmine Sovani, and GLEE star Darren Criss. They introduced each performer and speaker, sharing personal anecdotes along the way. The lineup delivered a dynamic mix of music and messages, with performers including Jonas Brothers, Serena Ryder, Imagine Dragons, and Austin Mahone, while speakers ranged from Spencer West and Liberia’s president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to local youth Hannah Alper and Vishal Vijay, along with DEGRASSI stars Munro Chambers and Jessica Tyler. The shared objective was unmistakable: act now and be the change many hope to see in the world.
During the opening remarks, WE Day co-founders and brothers Marc and Craig Kielburger spoke about the significance of WE Day and thanked the attendees for their commitments. Marc declared, “That noise you are hearing is the power of we. We are the movement. WE ARE WE DAY!”
They also introduced the launch of a new app, We365, created with Telus and RBC. It is a digital platform for social change, enabling people to connect with fellow volunteers, verify school or work activities, and discover opportunities. The app was slated for free download later this year.
Joe Jonas performed with his brothers Kevin and Nick and spoke about a recent trip to Kenya. The Jonas Brothers energized the crowd with their hit “Pom Poms” and, afterward, Joe shared hands-on experience building classrooms in Kenya as part of WE Charity’s initiatives. The band is known to contribute a portion of their income to charitable causes through the Change for the Children Foundation, often promoting good works via their social channels.
Spencer West shared his journey of overcoming barriers in the service of change. He spoke of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands, underscoring the organization’s mission to redefine what is possible, and urged the audience to answer the call: the world needs you, the communities in Kenya need you, and so do you.
Me to We speaker Molly Burke moved the crowd with her personal story of resilience as a person living with visual impairment. She described how music helped her stay positive and highlighted the power of supportive words, noting that words can wound but can also heal. She cited Demi Lovato and her song Warrior as a source of inspiration for many in attendance.
Closing the show, Demi Lovato performed Skyscraper with Darren Criss, joined by the Kenyan Boys Choir. Demi later tweeted that the Toronto audience had inspired her, and she performed Neon Lights to end the set with energy and hope.
Craig Kielburger spoke again about the growing influence of WE Day on young people, a sign that the movement is expanding beyond one city and one country. He emphasized that youth are more aware and more engaged than ever, and that WE Day demonstrates that it is possible for young people to lead meaningful change. The momentum continues coast to coast, with the We Act program guiding ongoing service and advocacy.
As the day concluded, the message lingered: the best first step is conversation and action. The weekend’s events set the stage for a broader television special that would air on MTV and Much, with recaps on CTV, inviting audiences to join and contribute to the ongoing effort to change the world together.
Don’t hesitate — be the change now!