We Day

We Day is an annual event organized by the charity, Free The Children. The first We Day in Winnipeg happened on November 23, 2011. 16000 people attended this event at the MTS center to celebrate the achievements of those who have made a difference and made the global community better. It was an event the has empowered the youth to be the change they want to see in the world. It was such a huge honor to go to We Day. It was very inspiring and fun. It was one of the most memorable and best experience ever. I will never forget We Day. There were a lot of wonderful and inspiring speakers like, Marc and Craig Kielburger, Spencer West, Michel Chikwanine, Al Gore, Paul Martin, Mia Farrow, Rick Hansen, Hannah Taylor and many, many more. They each told us their "we story" and their experiences of changing the world.

One of the many speakers that really captured my attention was Michel Chikwanine and his story. He told us his "we story" not by speaking but by placards. He is taking "The Vow of Silence" for those who's freedom and rights have been taken away. For the children who's lives are the complete opposite of ours. For the children who's right to an education and childhood is taken away. On November 30, 2011, 24 hours of silence in solidarity with children who are being silenced by poverty and exploitation. Michel is a former child soldier. When Michel Chikwanine was 5 years old, he was kidnapped and drugged. He was given a gun and was forced to kill his own best friend, Kevin.

Spencer West was another speaker. At the age of 5 he lost his legs due to genetic disease. Spencer was bullied and was told he would never be a functioning member of society. He was told it would be impossible to live a normal life, considering he couldn't do something as simple as stand up straight or kick a ball. They were wrong. Spencer is respected, known, valued and loved. He is always standing tall. He overcame the bullying and his disability. He spoke about how he never lost hope and courage.
"Redefine Possible" -Spence West

Another speaker is Rick Hansen. He suffers from spinal cord injury waist down because of a car crash at age 15. He overcame his disability and proved he can achieve his dream. Rick is best known for his Man In Motion World Tour, where he traveled the world in his wheelchair. Rick did not give up on hope, he did many things that anyone can do, including bungee jumping, except he did it in a wheelchair.
"If enough of us choose to change even one small thing, together we have the power to change anything." -Rick Hansen

All the amazing, inspiring, and wonderful speakers at We Day really encouraged all of us to make a difference.

Throughout the day, we kept repeating two words, "WE ARE!!" It was a respond to many questions like, "Who is willing to make a difference?" "who is the change?".
If it wasn't for Craig Kielburger starting the Free The Children campaign and for those who stood with/by him, there wouldn't be a We Day.

WE DAY - THE POWER OF WE

"Never Underestimate the Power of WE"

"We day is more than a one day event. It launches a year long series of actions to better our global community"

"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi

Big thank you to everyone who helped to make this amazing event possible for us.