Chisholm Academy finds Inspiration and Motivation at WE Day 2017

Once again a delegation from Chisholm Academy found themselves downtown Toronto in late September for WE Day; the annual celebration concert for young changemakers put on by WE Charity.

Chisholm students earn their way to WE Day each year through participating in fundraising and action campaigns aimed at making a difference in local and global communities. The Chisholm Me to WE team spent last year raising money for a clean water project in Ecuador as well as supporting a variety of local charities closer to home. These actions led them to the WE Day concert with 20 000 other change makers this fall as they gathered at the ACC to celebrate their success.

This year, WE Day featured a variety of performers and speakers who aimed to inspire the attendees and encourage them to continue their meaningful work at home and abroad. Highlights from this year included YouTube sensation and local Canadian icon, “Super Woman” Lilly Singh, who spoke about the importance of supporting Girls Education in Kenya and ending bullying through her Girl Love Campaign. George Takei of Star Trek fame, spoke about tolerance and acceptance of others. Olympians Penny Oleksiak and Andre DeGrasse, shared their journeys that led them to Olympic Gold. Prince Harry, founder of the Invictus Games, even stopped by the event for a surprise visit and challenged youth to find their voices and use them to make great change in the world. These incredible speakers coupled with musical performances by popular bands such as Hedley and Kelly Clarkson rounded out the day.

Chisholm Students left the event feeling inspired and motivated to take on the challenge of changing the world for the better. The ME to WE team has big plans for this year starting off with the WE Scare Hunger food drive where they will attempt to collect 1000 pounds of nonperishable food items for a local food bank. The Food drive runs from October 16th to October 31st at the school.

Other events will include Rafiki bracelet sales in December, a bake sale, battery collection and recycling and various other awareness campaigns and events. This year’s team remains committed to creating positive change in our school, local community and abroad.

Together, WE can create meaningful change!

Alison Andrew

Me to WE co-coordinator at Chisholm Academy