We Day inspires B.C. kids to dream big and give back in an even bigger way
Concert-style inspirational event featured Colbie Caillat, Chris Hadfield, Barenaked Ladies and more
Thousands of kids from across B.C. piled into Rogers Arena on Wednesday for the annual We Day event.
Between the celebrities, piercing screams and pounding bass lines, it could have easily been mistaken for a rock concert but with a meaningful cause.
Free the Children — the charitable organization hosting the event, aims to inspire and encourage young people to contribute to their community as agents of change through their concert-style gathering.
To that end, tickets to We Day cannot be bought. Every young person must "earn" their way in by doing volunteer work or proving they are active citizens.
For student Brielle Brubacher, the event was a bonus for the work she put in.
"Some people are starving and homeless. We can build homes, build schools and give them food. It would would make a better place that way," said Brubacher.
Prior to each We Day performance, students heard messages of inspiration. This year's event again featured well-known celebrities and speakers including:
- singer and songwriter Colbie Caillat
- Hedley
- Barenaked Ladies
- astronaut Chris Hadfield
- Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin
- Canadian Spencer West who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and in his wheelchair
- Olympian Silken Laumann
Laumann gave an impassioned speech about overcoming injuries to winning her first Olympic medal while balancing the challenges of living with her mother who suffered from an undiagnosed mental illness.
"I am here today to tell you, you are worth it," said the Olympian.
It was a sentiment echoed by Matlin who is deaf and used sign language to share her personal story.
"Have the courage to accept the challenge. Dream big no matter what life throws your way and you will achieve success," signed Matlin.
Students were also treated to a special joint performance of the song "Is Someone Singing (I.S.S)" by Hadfield and the Barenaked Ladies.
From 2014 to 2015, Free the Children says youth involved with the We Day program volunteered more than 596 million hours and raised $1.3 million dollars for local and global charities.
With files from Kirk Williams