We Day inspires Winnipeggers

Some 16,000 young Manitobans spent Wednesday getting inspired at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg as part of We Day.

The event was organized by the Canadian charity Free The Children. According to founder Craig Kielburger, We Day is designed to motivate young people to help fight injustice and lead local and global change.

The event, which was first held in Toronto in 2007, featured a lineup of social activists and speakers as well as musical performances.

Wednesday's event, which was the first time We Day was held in Winnipeg, included presentations from actress and activist Mia Farrow, former prime minister Paul Martin, former U.S. vice-president Al Gore, and the Man in Motion, Rick Hansen.

Farrow told the young crowd they can make a difference by raising money to help fight famine in Africa and other regions.

Gore urged them to get involved in the battle against climate change, while Martin told them to work to ensure aboriginal schools are properly funded and staffed.

Young hometown heroes also shared their experiences, like Hannah Taylor, whose Ladybug Foundation raises money for the homeless.

Musical acts Hedley and Shawn Desman performed as well.