We Day 2013: Young people can make a difference

Thousands of students packed downtown Montreal’s St. Denis Theatre November 25 to share stories of triumph over adversity and enjoy performances by artists and dancers.

The We Day 2013 event featured performances by Sam Roberts, Neverest and the Kenyan Boys Choir, among others. The annual happening had humble beginnings as an initiative of the youth-driven charity Free the Children co-founded by Craig and Marc Kielburger. The movement now comprises over 2.3 million children who have taken the steps to make their world a better place starting with their local communities.

“When we started Free the Children all those years ago volunteering was the most uncool thing to do,” Craig said of the evolution of the youth movement, “and I love seeing now theatres full of screaming passionate young people. Where it is not only cool to care but they know it’s possible that they can make a difference.”

Hosted by television hosts Malik Shaheed and Diandra Grandchamps, the day began with an address from Martin Luther King III, who spoke on the importance of education. “It’s like the Grey Cup of doing good except everyone scores a touchdown and everyone celebrates,” Craig said of the atmosphere.

Former Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff shared the inspirational story of his younger brother Matthew, who had lost a limb as child but pushed through and became an award-winning musician.

“When my young brother decided that he won’t allow for his circumstances to bring him down, he rose up,” Iserhoff told the audience. “Whatever you may be going through, wherever you may be going don’t ever allow the circumstances to dictate what you are capable of doing.”

Participants also heard from Spencer West, a double-amputee who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands, and Mylenne Paquette, the first Canadian woman to cross the Atlantic on a solo voyage. Bob Marley’s granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast, shared the inspirational lyrics of One Love with the youngsters.

For six years We Day has inspired youth to get involved in their communities. Although it’s only a small part of the We Act Initiative, participation at We Day leaves a lasting mark by motivating students to make a difference. And what a difference they made, with over $37 million raised, 9.6 million hours volunteered, and four million pounds of food collected all because youth were inspired to take action.