At Toronto’s Air Canada Centre on September 27, a moment many would call a movement unfolded as roughly 18,000 students gathered to celebrate the power of young people to spark positive change. The event was the opening stop of a five city WE Day tour across Canada, with later dates in Vancouver, Waterloo, Winnipeg, and Montreal. That day also introduced a yearlong initiative called the We Schools in Action program, where each school group pledged to complete one local action and one global action. Tickets were never sold for WE Day; attendance was earned through service, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. In the 2010–11 school year, WE Day helped ignite 1.7 million volunteer hours across participating schools, reflecting the energy and dedication of young Canadians.
WE Day blends star power with messages designed to empower youth to take action. The Toronto show was hosted by musician and actor Joe Jonas and actress Nina Dobrev, while MuchMusic veteran Jesse Giddings opened with a warm welcome. The crowd rode the energy of the We Day Dance, choreographed by Shawn Desman, moving through the arena multiple times. Nikki Yanofsky spoke about believing in the power of community and the idea that a shared sense of togetherness can move mountains. Performers included Nelly Furtado and the band Neverest, whose high voltage performances energized attendees to participate in the day’s mission.
Beyond performances, a lineup of speakers delivered reminders about responsibility and impact. Spencer West and Rick Hansen shared stories of perseverance and service, while Degrassi: The Next Generation actors Munro Chambers and Aislinn Paul offered youth friendly perspectives. Craig and Marc Kielburger, cofounders of Free The Children, spoke passionately about turning inspiration into concrete action. Their words underscored the core message: ordinary students can become lifelong agents of change when they act locally and think globally.
During the program, Nelly Furtado announced a major donation to Free The Children. She pledged one million dollars to fund new programs, including the establishment of an all girls boarding secondary school in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya. The gesture highlighted education as a driver of opportunity and showed that artistic talent can translate into meaningful support for communities in need.
As the event concluded, teenage hearts seemed to catch fire. Joe Jonas performed his hit See No More as the final musical moment, and Nina Dobrev posed the crowd with a question that echoed through the arena: are you ready to change the world? The energy lingered, leaving attendees with a sense of purpose and momentum to carry into their schools and communities.
After the performances, conversations with Neverest and Nelly Furtado offered further insight into WE Day and the charity’s ongoing mission. The band members described the onstage experience as a highlight of the night and emphasized the importance of keeping the energy alive beyond the event. They talked about leading by example and about how youth can sustain a positive movement through daily actions and consistent effort.
Nelly Furtado recalled the journey to Kisaruni with Free The Children and Artbound, describing the moment she met Susan and the powerful sense of connection that arose from sharing stories. The singer noted that the drive she saw in Susan’s class mirrors the determination she sees in her own daughter, underscoring a belief in the transformative power of learning.
For those looking to help, there are practical ways to participate. One widely promoted option is the Halloween for Hunger drive on October 31, which encourages communities to collect non‑perishable food items for local food banks instead of candy. This approach translates WE Day’s energy into everyday acts of service, inviting families, schools, and neighborhoods to participate in acts of generosity and support.