I think almost everyone feels insignificant at some point, as if their actions couldn’t possibly make a difference in the world. But when one spark ignites to inspire hundreds, then the smallest actions can have a big impact on the world. Craig Kielburger is the perfect example of that philosophy. At just twelve years of age, he read a story about child slavery and was inspired to take action. He talked to his teacher, stood up in front of his class and ignited the spark that would grow to become Free the Children, an international charity and educational partner that operates in 45 different countries.
But his work didn’t stop there! As a believer that youth would be the ones that change the world, Craig and his brother Mark joined together in initiatives that would both better the world and inspire young people to make a difference. One of the brothers’ most well-known and inspiring achievements was the founding of We Day, the national celebration of youth leaders in the community. Last year, We Day came to Saskatchewan for the very first time. And this year the event returned once more to celebrate and inspire the 16,000 youth in attendance.
I was incredibly excited to be given the chance to attend We Day Saskatchewan thanks to Telus, one of We Day’s title sponsors. I’m a loyal Telus customer because of the company’s great plans and customer service, but I’m also a Telus supporter because the company participates in fabulous initiatives like We Day. In fact, Telus has supported Free the Children and We Day since 2006 and has donated millions of dollars to the charity in its role as a national co-sponsor of We Day.
I took my youngest sister with me to the event and she was absolutely ecstatic about attending. Not only had she dreamed of attending We Day since she first heard of the event, she also knew that Magic Johnson would be speaking. Since my sister is a college basketball player, Magic Johnson was definitely worthy of hero status in her eyes!
But hearing the man speak had the entire audience seeing just what a hero he was. As a child, Magic’s mother had sent him to shovel the driveways of elderly neighbours that weren’t capable of doing so. He admits he didn’t appreciate that at the time, but that he knows now she was teaching him one of the most important lessons he would ever learn: what makes a person great is their willingness to help others.
The event featured speech after speech that had me moving from laughter to tears to anger to hope as I heard stories of children in other countries denied an education because of their poverty or gender, children being bullied because of their differences and, most of all, children thriving and beating seemingly impossible odds to achieve greatness, all through their desire to help others.
Of course, no celebration is complete without entertainment, and there was plenty of that at We Day Saskatchewan as well! Neverest, Tyler Shaw, Karl Wolf, Kay and the always inspirational Shawn Desman took to the stage and the energy in the room was absolutely electric. Thanks to the fabulous people at Telus, we were able to enjoy some meet-and-greet moments with Kay, Tyler and even Mark and Craig Kielburger themselves!
One of the contributions Telus has made to We Day this year is the creation of the We365 app, available now on Blackberry World, Google Play or the Apple App Store. The app allows youth to tackle challenges and track volunteer activity that betters their communities and the world. There’s even a chance to win exclusive opportunities such as a hike with Spencer West or a day trip with Craig Kielburger. And We365 activity can even be shared on Facebook and Twitter to inspire others! Telus also created the fabulous Phones for Good campaign by donating $25 from the sale of select TELUS BlackBerry 10 devices to Free The Children.
To celebrate all the fabulous youth initiatives taking place throughout Canada, Telus has partnered with Blackberry to offer an amazing giveaway! One lucky Mommy Kat and Kids reader is going to win their very own Blackberry Q5 phone worth $425! To enter to win, just check out the We365 app website and leave a blog comment about something you liked or learned there.
I was so happy to have the chance to experience the magic of We Day once more, and I know that the youth of Saskatchewan are going to take the inspiration from the experience and go forward to do amazing things. I love that Telus believes in the importance of our young people as much as I do and I can’t thank the company enough both for giving me the chance to attend We Day once more and for sponsoring the event so that youth across Canada are motivated to empower one another and influence change. With a little support, we can all help change the world!
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Jennifer (@momvstheboys) says
I love the challenges they give kids & the ptpa seal
Marlene Unruh says
The Volunteer Tracking feature helps students, educators and organizations track and verify hours that can be leveraged to build their social impact portfolio for school purposes, résumés and university applications.
Michelle B says
I love that, for everyone that signs up on We365, they will immunize a child overseas.
Karine says
I love their implication in the third world countries
trish says
They do amazing things!
Nicole Crump says
Would love this
Darlene Schuller says
I love that this engages our children! Most charities are geared towards the adults, love this is children based!
Mary M says
I have been to a We Day in Toronto and it’s so inspiring to see the kids so involved.
Dayna Wilson says
I learned that the app allows you to create kind of a record of your social activity, to help faciliate change. What a great idea. And I LOVE that every download funds an immunization…I think I’ll download it for that reason alone.
elaing8 says
I learned you can earn points and badges for completing challenges, fundraising and volunteering
Ester G says
I love that this extends beyond our borders, helping those less fortunate
Victor Goguen says
$26,000,000 fundraised for 900 causes since 2009
Heidi C. says
It is great that every download of their app funds a vaccination!
Doris Calvert says
I think this is a totally amazing program and have never heard of it so thank to all the bloggers for doing these posts.
Francine says
I love the opportunities that they provide for our youth
Tina L. says
I learn that for every signs up on We365, they will immunize a child overseas.
Anne Taylor says
For every sign up on We365, they will immunize a child overseas. Oh, I just saw the above persons response, I didn’t copy them, really
I love that they encourage volunteering and suggest organizations etc.
Blessedta says
interesting.
Amirah says
I love that they are helping to make a change in the world and that they will immunize a child overseas upon sign up.
debbie p says
I like that for everyone that signs up on We365, they will immunize a child overseas, Great aspect…]
Jeannie says
I learned that for every person that signs up, they will immunize a child overseas. That’s cool.
Shawn M says
I like you are able to create a fundraising page and rally friends / family to fundraise for any charity that is registered.
Toby says
It motivates and encourages youth to do devote themselves towards public good and social activism.
loriag says
I learned that for all those who sign up they will immunize a child overseas, how increadible.
stacey dempsey says
I love that every download of their app funds a vaccination. I traveled a lot when I was younger and saw illness where there didn’t need to be any all they needed was vaccintaions
Debbie Bashford says
That the causes range from light-hearted topics such as happiness to critical issues like global poverty, there really is something for everyone.
Nena Sinclair says
I think it’s wonderful that they’re helping with vaccinations in third world countries1
Lori JB says
I love how involved the kids are and how their participation impacts immunization in third world countries.
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
every person who signs up on We365, they will immunize a child overseas, beautiful
mongupp says
I love how this program empowers young people and teaches them to serve and be selfless.
Monique L. S. says
They focus on the We365 community being positive. One of the rules: “Tell people what you stand for, rather than what you stand against.”
martina says
I love how they encourage and involve youth a lot. They are our future!!
jennifer capin says
immunizations in 3rd world countries
Pip444 says
I learned children overseas will be immunized when we sign up
SueSueper Sue says
I like that this inspires kids to get active with volunteering while they are young. Great tool to keep track of activities.
cheryl says
I learnt about the program and how it makes positive changes in our youth
Jody D says
I agree it is so important to engage our children early and teach them social responsibility
Victoria Ess says
I learned that this program encourages volunteerism in youth.
Emily Linton says
I love that they help 3rd world countries!
Erin W says
I love the volunteer tracking….it’s great to be able to track progress.
Holly says
I learned that for every one that signs up on We365, they will immunize a child overseas. That’s pretty awesome.
michelle tremblett says
everyone that sign up online they will immunize a child overseas, that is incredible ! my daughter was chosen to represent her school at we day this year, she is unbelievably excited. such a great program !
Carol M (Lushka) says
For every sign up, they immunize a child overseas. Awesome, since we take this for granted in Canada.
bina edwards says
you can win scholarships for school 🙂
Wayne Lecoy says
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win a Telus Blackberry Q5 Smartphone.
In response to your requirement to Check out the We365 website
and leave a blog comment about something i liked or learned there.
I learned that We365 is a digital community that helps you make positive change in our world, every day of the year. It’s an online space to connect with others and share causes you care about, while creating a portfolio of your social impact. Free to join, this mobile app and website let you track and verify your volunteer activities for school or work, and fundraise for any charity of your choice. It’s a social platform to engage with others and to find and share compelling content and actions, on your own or as a group.
For every sign up on We365 we will immunize a child overseas.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!
Keri says
I learnt there is an APP now developed by WeDay…. I will have to have my kids install that one, as it is an app I will definitely approve of!
You can also become a monthly donor.. with only 10% going to administrative costs and 90% going back to support their programs.
Holly Messana says
I learned that for every sign up they will immunize a child overseas
Athena says
I love how they involve kids and inspire them to action
lori b says
Love how this is for our next generation of adults,
caryn s says
you can win scholarships and grants for members!