PARTNER CONTENT CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020

Saturday, June 6, 2020 Brought to you by WE

WE got this: Celebrating the students who made an impact

By Craig Kielburger and Marc Kielburger

oung people have missed Y out on so much at this school year’s end — awkward dances, tearful embraces and group photos, yearbooks passing freely through crowded halls. We created this special section in part to make up for missed proms and cancelled class trips, a sign of our commitment to youth mental health at this difficult time. The 2020 school year has been like no other, challenging us all in unprecedented ways. More than ever, we need to draw strength from the shameless idealism young Canadians continue to show with their actions. We must remain dedicated to celebrating students and teachers who have made lasting impacts this school year — and who continue to prove that we really are in this together. Working with school boards across Canada and in each region, we are honoured to bring closure Ontario, Atlantic Canada, Quebec, will feature educational leaders, families during a summer without to the academic year in a powerful the Prairies, B.C. and Northern musicians, sports icons and camps or special programs. way for both students and Canada with Facebook Live events celebrities, including host Lilly Also, this summer we will provide educators. These pages are part of featuring outstanding students Singh, with special appearances by Years from now, impactful new initiatives for students WE Celebrate: Class of 2020, a week- and educators. The celebration , Natalie Portman, from kindergarten to post-secondary long virtual coast-to-coast-to-coast culminates with its final stop — the , Joe Jonas, Shay when we look school. We are planning to help road trip that kicked off during the biggest living-room party of the Mitchell, The Muppets, Meghan back on 2020, young people volunteer digitally, last week of May to commemorate school year, which airs Saturday, Trainor, , Winnie supporting non-profits and myriad the social impacts of students. June 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV. Harlow, Drew Scott and Linda Phan, we hope we causes. At WE.org you will find We’ve made online “stops” in The Saturday night broadcast Johnny Orlando, Arkells, JP Saxe, many opportunities and resources. Julia Michaels, P.K. Subban, Jacob will find things Years from now, when we look Tremblay, Brett Kissel and so many back on 2020, we hope we will more. A special thank you to RBC, changed for find things changed for the better. TELUS, President’s Choice Children’s We hope we’ll soon come to a Charity, Facebook, The Globe and the better. turning point and double down Social entrepreneurs hold the Mail and CTV, and especially to Bell on health care and support for Media president Randy Lennox for essential workers and the elderly. key to post-COVID economy his vision for the broadcast. Even in education, this crisis can be Students made many sacrifices an opportunity. We can move past We must support But then COVID-19 struck, schools this year, but COVID-19 did not burden, WE has leveraged our rote memorization and into social- social entrepreneurs closed, and companies could no dampen their impact. In many 25 years of experience building emotional learning — teaching longer afford to donate equipment. cases it inspired them to take even curriculum and working with kids to manage their emotions and now, so they can “I needed to find a new way to help more action! In this academic year hundreds of school boards and to show empathy — with frank support our social kids in need and do it from home,” alone, students in 7,000 WE Schools educational partners to create the discussions about mental well- and economic says Laura. across Canada volunteered more WE Schools @home initiative, to being. Fortunately, as a participant in WE than 12 million hours for nearly provide families and K–12 students We must all remember that, while recovery Social Entrepreneurs programming, 8,000 causes all around the world, with daily lesson plans delivered we are alone, we are alone together, she had the tools at her fingertips to especially helping with COVID-19 right to parents’ inboxes. The lesson and we will overcome this together. solve the problem. With the guidance causes. In the pages of this special plans are age-appropriate, cost-free We hope that what children learn In the aftermath of COVID-19, Can- of a mentor and using the skills she section, we celebrate some of the and easy to use, with the purpose of today will instill in them a sense of ada’s economy will rely on a new had learned in the program, Laura outstanding initiatives of these supporting students and also giving global solidarity. They can start by generation launching start-ups to pivoted her business plan to adjust to students. We have also collected parents-turned-teachers peace of coming together to celebrate the drive growth, create jobs and solve the new realities of COVID-19. advice from industry leaders and mind and hours back into their change they have made so far. critical social challenges. Her bored housebound friends inspirational figures to support busy schedules. These offerings That’s why WE launched social were more than willing to help Laura students as they prepare for the emphasize social-emotional learning Craig Kielburger and Marc Kielburger entrepreneurship programming tar- make the bracelets and mail them future. for young people, including positive are the co-founders of the geted at young entrepreneurs under directly to online buyers. Instead At WE, we know it’s never been content to support their mental WE Movement, which includes 20. It includes a 10-week incubation of being used to refurbish donated harder to be a parents or teachers, well-being. Our WE Schools @home WE Charity, ME to WE Social program that takes youth through technology, the profits go to local and we’ve heard you. To ease the resources will continue serving Enterprise and WE Day. the process of developing a social charities that provide services for enterprise to tackle an issue they children during the crisis. “I can still are passionate about. The program help the most vulnerable kids in my is part of WE Social Entrepreneurs, community, just in a different way an initiative designed to help young than I had initially planned,” says Canadians take ideas for social Laura. change to the next level by applying The program also has a curriculum IT’S ON! business solutions to local and global component with virtual resources challenges. that empower educators to weave These young entrepreneurs will de- social enterprise into their e-learning velop new skills — making business courses. Small student businesses plans, identifying markets, securing like Braided won’t turn around our financing, building partnerships — economy in the short term. But they that will help shape the future econ- will encourage young people to fall omy. To guide them and encourage in love with the culture of entrepre- their passion for entrepreneurship, neurship and understand the power youth are connected with mentors in of social enterprise to sustainably the business community. create positive benefits in society. JUNE 6 COVID-19 has hit small businesses For those who already have that 8 p.m. ET/PT hard, none more so than entrepre- entrepreneurial passion and dream of neurs who were launching start-ups. launching projects with even greater Beyond the immediate economic impact, WE Social Entrepreneurs has WITH HOST LILLY SINGH loss, this slump risks scaring youth a second stream. WE ScaleUp targets away from the entrepreneurial sector entrepreneurs under 35, providing re- just when we need them most. sources to drive their ideas to fruition We need young Canadians to see while overcoming current challenges. a future and find their passion in WE ScaleUp is led by veteran entre- entrepreneurship — people such as preneurs Hussam Ayyad, who helped Laura Hermitage. build the incubation hub DMZ, and Fifteen-year-old Laura is using Jon Worren, who is responsible for her entrepreneurial skills to close scaling up one of the world’s largest a worrying “digital divide” in the entrepreneurship programs at the classrooms of Oakville, ON, where MaRS Discovery District. she attends high school. Laptops and These initiatives are supported by other technologies are an essential the generosity of supporters such as part of modern education but largely RBC, Thor Richardson, John Manley, THANK YOU out of reach for vulnerable families, Jennifer Tory and Jon Love, as well especially refugees. So Laura came as funding from the Government of up with Braided — a micro-enterprise Canada through Employment and TO DAVID AISENSTAT that would work with local refugee Social Development Canada. families to produce bracelets she WE, through these new pro- for sponsoring this Globe and Mail special section could sell in local schools. The profits grams, is planting the seeds of would fund the refurbishment of old entrepreneurship in thousands more as a resource for Canadians. tech devices donated by local compa- youth. “WE Social Entrepreneurs is nies, which would then be given to a game-changer for enterprises that the children of those families. create not only significant econom- we.org It was a clever idea, combining ic value but also incredible social Got this. income generation and access to impact to support Canadians through technology for the most vulnerable. COVID-19,” says Mr. Ayyad. WE2 • PARTNER CONTENT SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020 SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020 PARTNER CONTENT • WE3

Dr. Barry Craig Sabrina Elkington Dalal Al-Waheidi, WORDS OF PRESIDENT OF FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WE CHARITY HURON UNIVERSITY ERIKA LEGACY FOUNDATION One of the toughest periods in my life WISDOM: The best approach we can take in Graduates, I applaud you all and give defined who I am today. At seven- uncertain times is a commitment to a great shout-out to the success of the teen I moved away from my family FROM ONE compassion. Being a leader with heart class of 2020. Your accomplishments in the Gaza Strip to study in Nor- is more needed than ever. so far will have a tremendous impact way. This transformative experience on all our futures. Go forward with the nurtured my confidence and sense of GENERATION knowledge and relationships you have self — but it didn’t seem that way at gained, which will be invaluable as the the time. When I was growing up in OF LEADERS world begins to reopen to a new nor- Kuwait and the Gaza Strip, my mother mal, during and post COVID-19. Grad- told me that, as a Palestinian and a uation is not an end; it is the beginning National Chief woman, I would face hardships. “This TO THE NEXT Chris Hadfield of your new adventures. Always be Perry Bellegarde is simply the way your life will be; CANADIAN ASTRONAUT kind, take care of one another, and Live OF THE ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS consider every challenge an oppor- to Inspire as you help to build a better tunity. That’s how you will do your Canada is fortunate to be home You can’t change the past and the world. Congratulations, class of 2020! Our Creator promises us a good life, best — and that’s all you can ever to extraordinary leaders who are future is yet to be written; the only though not always an easy one. It is up do.” In Norway, I could be miserable, shaping all facets of life, from thing you really have control over is to you to make yours a fulfilling life. Be doubting myself and letting oppor- business to government, culture what you choose to do next. And your selfless and passionate and work every tunities for self-growth pass me by, life is not what you set out to do; it is day to make better the lives of others or I could accept the difficulties and and society. They can be found not what you thought you might do. around you, and you will enjoy a life give it my all. My mother had handed from the East Coast to the West, It is just the sum total of all the little well lived. me something precious: the gift of and in one case even in space! As things that you chose to do next. grit — a potent mix of perseverance, today’s youth look ahead to the So choose wisely! determination and inner strength. We are built of the wisdom and gifts we future and the challenges they With Respect and Admiration, bestow on one another. Every mo- face, we want to send them on ment is an opportunity to learn from their way with words of wisdom Michael “Pinball’ Clemons Dave McKay everyone around you. Pay attention from these influential men and GM TORONTO ARGONAUTS PRESIDENT & CEO, RBC when things go well, and pay even CO-FOUNDER PINBALL CLEMONS more attention when they don’t. Build women. We asked them to draw FOUNDATION My advice to the class of 2020 is, relationships with people from diverse upon their own experiences always ask yourself “Why not me?” sectors and backgrounds and be an to offer advice for this next I hope this extraordinary time in your My message for the class If you see a problem, don’t wait for ally to others. Be the solution! life is amplified by its unique place in someone else to solve it. If you see generation, which one day just history. The world stopped to see you of 2020 is “Nothing tried, change is needed in society, reimag- might step into their shoes. graduate! Not exactly, but you’ll have ine a better future, and then take the an intriguing story to tell. Make friends nothing done.” So you can Roxanne Joyal lead. Our world has never needed and memories; they last longer and fit CEO, ME TO WE your curiosity and contribution more. better than clothes. Nelson Mandela fall short, but don’t stop short. opined, “After climbing a great hill, After my first year of university, I took what was then an one only finds there are many more And congrats! unconventional gap year of service learning over- Hartley Richardson to climb,” and climb you should! And seas—a decision that taught me two important life PRESIDENT AND CEO, while you traverse the universe, invite TYRONE EDWARDS, eTALK REPORTER AND TV HOST lessons that have shaped my career. First, witnessing JAMES RICHARDSON & SONS diversity, embrace culture and admire my mentor’s unwavering dedication to the residents Sarah Davis LIMITED nature. Finally, I hope your family, of Bangkok’s largest slum instilled in me the belief PRESIDENT, LOBLAW friends and deeds are more important that one’s work should not be about holding down a COMPANIES LIMITED My advice to the class of 2020 is, the to you than your money, awards and job, but about committing to a higherideal. Second, power to achieve any goal is already status — because we rise by lifting my early experience in Africa planted the seeds for My advice to the class of 2020 is within you, and it’s more important others! my passion and commitment to work with women to pretty simple: be kind to one another! than knowledge, talent or skill — it’s create socio-economic opportunities in rural areas in Kindness has always mattered to your attitude. No matter how high the Kenya. Taking this road less travelled has made me me, but I think now, more than ever, mountain you must climb, choosing to realize that it’s fine to follow a different path if it feels kindness is very important. So just a have the right attitude will provide the authentic to you. Treat every opportunity as a master- simple thank-you, some eye contact The Right Honourable determination needed to reach the class that grooms and prepares you for what comes or a nice gesture of any kind ... I David Johnston summit and the appreciation to enjoy Ronnie Negus next, however unexpected it may be. And always give promise you, you’ll never regret being CANADA’S 28TH the view. PHILANTHROPIST AND your best to everything you do. kind to someone. GOVERNOR GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE My advice for the class of 2020 is to Life is fleeting and time waits for no strive to make yourself worthy of trust, one. The only things you should regret and be driven by empathy. in life are the things you didn’t do. Embrace the uncertainty of the future; Lane Merrifield some of the most beautiful chapters FOUNDER OF FRESHGRADE will not have a title until much later. & CLUB PENGUIN, DRAGON ON DRAGONS’ DEN My message to the Learn to forgive and make peace with the past. Don’t live the same year 75 Darren Entwistle My advice to the class of 2020 is to stay agile, keep class of 2020 is to Kelly Solti times and call it life. Travel as long as PRESIDENT AND CEO, TELUS learning, keep growing and do everything you can to MARKETING, ARDENE you can, as far as you can and as much keep from stalling out. Our world is only accelerating, follow your heart as you can, and never regret anything My advice to the Class of 2020 is five-fold. Firstly, and we need you to lead it. Class of 2020: You’re our future that made you smile. You are guaran- gravitate to what inspires you and the rewards will wherever it leads you. leaders, ready to take it all on. As teed one life. Live it! follow. When you pursue goals that you feel passion- you grow into creators, managers, ate about, you can inspire incredible, positive change. SERENA RYDER, CANADIAN ARTIST organizers and trailblazers, I have one Secondly, possess the conviction to express your views piece of advice: remember to always and the curiosity to pursue your dreams, despite the be compassionate. Compassion helps Sophie Grégoire Trudeau adversity and uncertainty you encounter. Standing up us see others for who they are, it for what you believe is a critical attribute to realizing helps us listen with intention, it helps Hello to the inspiring, determined your own definition of success. Thirdly, in your quest us follow our hearts. As tomorrow’s and change-making class of 2020! The for extraordinary accomplishment, transcend barriers, decision-makers, compassion will help last few months have certainly had be courageous and take calculated risks, because you guide your communities, loved their challenges, but your success in without risk, there is no innovation. Fourthly, lead ones and even your opponents. In the face of adversity illuminates your against a world standard, socially, economically and business, as in life, you will be called immense strength, courage, determi- environmentally. Embrace a permanent dissatisfaction upon to face challenges. You will nation, and grit that has led you here with the status quo whilst having an insatiable appetite face some of those hurdles along- today. Be kind to yourself. I encourage to continue learning. Lastly, embrace the responsibility side trusted teammates, and even you all to treat yourself with the same we all hold to make the world a better place. Be pas- sometimes adversaries. But if you compassion, kindness, respect and sionate about giving with your hearts and your hands remember to be compassionate and love that you show to others. It’s the to build healthier, more sustainable and more compas- empathetic, your leadership will be best gift you can give yourselves! sionate communities. Sarain Fox more effective and memorable. HOST OF RISE ON VICELAND & Silken Laumann FUTURE HISTORY, ACTIVIST, ARTIST OLYMPIAN, AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF UNSINKABLE My message to the class of 2020 is to be unapologetically, authentically you. Yung Wu When you find the courage to be Lou Serafini Be brave enough to speak truth and SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR, CEO, MaRS yourself, you will not play small; you PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE honor those who came before you. Candace Laing will take up space and you won’t apol- OFFICER, FENGATE VP, SUSTAINABILITY AND Embrace the future without fear. Yes, ogize for that. Take up all the space STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS, NUTRIEN COVID-19 has disrupted every facet you need — our world needs you to In life, the only thing worse than of society. Yes, the world today is not be the biggest version of yourself. failure is the thought of what Whether something is good or bad the world of eight weeks ago. But let Your life will be immeasurably more might have happened if I tried... often depends on how we choose this massive disruption be the catalyst rewarding and magical if you allow never stop trying! Tom Jackson to see it. Graduation marks a special for true innovation. This moment yourself to fully come out and play. Be CANADIAN ACTOR AND SINGER occasion, a transition that concludes a presents an amazing opportunity: you who you are. Be as smart, as creative, formative chapter and leads to a realm have the chance to define the world as driven and as unique as you are, My message to the class of 2020 is of new possibilities. While it may seem you want and build it in a more sus- and bring that self to everything you this, we all achieve greatness and it’s as if the chance to mark this occasion tainable and inclusive way. It is yours do, personally and professionally. all within us, but it always took team- has been taken from you, I believe that Kardinal Offishall for the making. Go for it! Can’t wait to see you sparkle! work. So honor those that help you your “graduation” will be more mem- and help others. orable than any of its kind in our My message for the class of 2020 is lifetimes. I will also watch with great simple: even a rose can rise from the interest how many of you, shaped by concrete. You guys have made the these circumstances, will be inspired best out of possibly one of the worst to positively create an impact and times ever in human history. And that truly define our world’s new version of just goes to show the resilience of the “normal.” human spirit. FOR WHEN THE Rick Hansen FOUNDER, RICK HANSEN WHOLE FAMILY FOUNDATION Congratulations, graduates of 2020! Your accomplishments are a reflection of your hard work, dedication and IS FEELING ALL resiliency. Take time to celebrate your success, and express gratitude to Congratulations, those who have helped you. We have the ability to see this unusual period of class of 2020! THE FEELS time as an opportunity to innovate, to Nav Bhatia remain optimistic and hopeful. We can RAPTORS SUPERFAN In honour of your graduation, please enjoy choose our attitudes and perspectives Introducing the WE Well-being podcast, hosted by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. throughout life, and that can become Congratulations to the class of 2020. Learn more about the podcast, as well as resource kits for the workplace and your most valuable strength. Do your You are the future of this beautiful Moscow Apartment. family, at WE.org/wellbeing. best to pay it forward, one good turn country. If I can give you one piece at a time. Help make Canada and the of advice that helped me, it is to Download at world a healthier and more inclusive treat people like you want to be www.moscowapartment.ca/freetrack Got this place. We are stronger together! treated yourself. WE4 • PARTNER CONTENT SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020 SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020 PARTNER CONTENT • WE5

The pack that Zac built in Vancouver

Celebrating the class of 2020 means celebrating impact — the drive of thousands Twelve-year-old Zac Weinberg’s first local an estimated 2,200 — would get a pack. With of young change-makers who brought hope, inspiration and lasting change to action began as a sock-and-toothbrush drive, input from staff at Coast Mental Health, his kit CELEBRATING their local and global communities. but it grew into a mountain of survival packs grew to include socks, gloves and toiletries, — one for every person in Vancouver who plus a tuque, scarf, emergency blanket, rain This school year was like no other, but these everyday heroes didn’t let anything was experiencing homelessness. poncho, collapsible umbrella, 6 x 8 tarp, reus- stop them from making a difference. They are the students across Canada who When he first learned about the city’s short- able water bottle, granola bar and bus ticket. THE IMPACT volunteered, fundraised and spoke out for causes they care about, participating age of affordable housing and the burden of The bag’s colour was important, so Zac in WE Schools service learning in their classrooms, taking action through after- mental health issues affecting the homeless, chose a calming blue. And it had to be dura- he reached out to the non-profit Coast Mental ble and waterproof to withstand Vancouver’s school WE Clubs, or working independently on passion projects. Health to ask how he could help. rainy weather. of the And now they’re coming up with new and innovative ways to support others “The homeless are often overlooked,” says On March 7, 2020, through the combined amid COVID-19, demonstrating that we are all in this together. Zac. “I’m living my life every day completely efforts of corporate sponsors, 150 donors and To honour the impact of the class of 2020, this section highlights just a few of safe and healthy, and so many other people an assembly line of 60 volunteers, a moun- don’t have that. So I believe it’s a moral tain of 2,200 ZACPACS was assembled to be class of 2020 their stories. Find out how they gave back, what they learned, and how doing responsibility to help them.” distributed with the help of 30 non-profits good changed their own lives for the better. He started with socks and toothbrushes, across the city. basic items that so many people lacked. But “I’ve learned so many things,” says Zac, still once the effort got underway, he started col- reeling from the show of community support. lecting full sets of essentials — and ZACPACS Above all, he learned the importance of were born! empathy. “We could function so much better Zac set a goal of raising $100,000 to ensure if we worked together in unity.” that every homeless person in Vancouver —

Toronto teen takes on well-being additional source of income. of local and global community “I felt the project highlighted the similarities between the Maasai As COVID-19 has Canadians turning rural community in Kenya she first culture and my own culture,” says inward to protect their families and visited in 2016. She was struck by Phoebe, pointing out the shared communities, 14-year-old Phoebe the women’s drive to educate their values of community and caring for Saint-Hubert students take Rotman is connecting the crisis with children and admired the beaded one another. hopeful hike to haul water a cause beyond her borders — Rafiki bracelets they were making in Back at home, Phoebe sold women’s empowerment in Kenya. partnership with ME to WE social en- Rafippahs at weddings and bat On a beautiful fall day last September, 60 students filed out A budding social entrepreneur, terprise. Phoebe asked if the wom- and bar mitzvahs to fundraise for of Heritage Regional High School in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, Phoebe created a product that en could also bead kippahs, the a women’s empowerment centre and began a two-kilometre trek to a local park to collect brings together Indigenous Maasai small skullcaps traditionally worn by in Melelo where women could water. It was both a fundraiser and a chance to educate culture with Jewish traditions to Jewish men. Those beaded kippahs, come together to work, learn and themselves about local and global water issues. honour the women of Melelo, a or “Rafippahs,” would provide an build community. But as COVID-19 The hopeful students filled their containers with water brought large gatherings to a halt, Thirteen-year-old with access to skates, ice time and coaches. So he from the park’s small lake before hiking back to school, each she asked herself how she could Torontonian organizes a started the event “Right to Skate,” to “help newcom- carrying their own container and sharing the weight of one keep the project alive. ers fit into their new country.” heavy jerry can. The answer was simple. When Canadian rite of passage for First, he turned to WE, which coached him on how This was the second year that students in Heritage’s WE Top Shelf Distillers in Perth, Ont., newcomers to create the event and trained him in public speaking. Club had organized a Water Walk, raising money to build announced it would be leveraging WE also introduced him to COSTI, an organization bathroom facilities for the community of Chemegal, Kenya. its production capability to make Tackling Hamilton community On a cold March afternoon, more than 100 people that serves new Canadians. Next, he recruited his They have collected almost $3,000 — enough to build two hand sanitizer in response to surging filed onto an ice rink for a skating lesson. So far, so friends to help out on the day. Finally, he reached out latrines. Students also attended workshops to learn about the demand, Phoebe pitched them on hunger teaches life lessons normal in cities and towns across Canada. Except to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and secured importance of clean water, especially its abundance in their the idea of donating 10 cents from these skaters happened to be new Canadians, and donated ice time, skating instructors and NHL jerseys Montreal-area homes compared to its scarcity in remote com- every sale to WE Charity to support Every Halloween for the past 20 years, the WE Club at St. Thomas the entire event — including a free lesson from NHL and helmets as raffle prizes. munities in northern Canada and other parts of the world. Melelo’s women’s empowerment More Catholic Secondary School has collected boxes of food instead alumni — was organized by 13-year-old Jake Grevler. Organizing Right to Skate took months. When the “After the Water Walk, I felt lucky that I could go to a centre project. of bags of candy. This school year, the Hamilton school’s annual Jake, who attends Toronto’s Montcrest School, vol- buses arrived, the participants “rushed into the doors, sink and just turn on the tap and drink the water,” admits “As global citizens, we have a “WE Scare Hunger” food drive gathered nearly 45,500 kilograms’ unteers with Launchpad, an organization that levels rushed to get on their skates and rushed to get on 13-year-old participant Zoe Durand. The WE Club set up an responsibility beyond our borders,” worth of donations, enough to feed local families for months. the playing field and uplifts young people through the ice,” Jake recalls. He spent the entire two hours attention-grabbing display in the school’s foyer: a huge Phoebe says. “I also care about local The food drive has grown into Canada’s largest WE Scare Hunger sports. His love of sports comes from his father, who on the ice, helping some first-timers skate, welcom- 300-litre jug represented the average Canadian’s daily water causes, and maybe my next project event. Generations of students who have organized everything immigrated to Canada as a boy. ing others, reveling in the smiles and laughter and consumption, while a 4-litre bottle symbolized how much a will be women’s empowerment in from publicity to route selection to food collection say it’s turned Learning to skate, he says, is a part of becoming listening to stories from those willing to share. “Their Kenyan drinks each day. my own Canadian backyard.” them into lifelong volunteers who value the impact of their Canadian, but many who are new to Canada struggle stories are why I wanted to do this.” actions.

MASS_NRG_B_Bleed_Mask_Op2 “It was a ‘wow’ moment to see all the boxes lined up, to see that we had collected food,” says Tharani De Silva, who dreams of becoming a researcher for the World Health Organization. As the ”I’m more hopeful,” says Surrey teen event’s Maps Head, the Grade 11 student helped plan the routes for 800 students and volunteers as they went door-to-door collecting Halifax students “stuff a bus” to fill stomachs When Krishnaja Tikkisetty walked at the school. School closures canned goods. “Every time I do WE Scare Hunger, it teaches me through the doors of Clayton make that impossible this year, so that I have a purpose in life to give back to other people. Following When a Halifax Transit bus pulled up to Fairview Junior High on a mild day last Heights Secondary School last Sep- Krishnaja and her schoolmates are this path is one of the ways that I can really contribute to the December, students streamed out of the red-brick building, hauling boxes filled with tember, she promised herself she’d adapting the event as a series of world.” donations for local food banks. The school’s WE Club loaded up more than 700 use her final year to set the tone for online challenges for students and Once students box up the food — which takes them into the items for the “Stuff-a-Bus” food drive, supporting Feed Nova Scotia. future volunteerism. community members. Knowing that early morning hours of November 1 — it’s donated to the nearby “You can’t always pick out who in the school or in a community needs help,” says A member of the Surrey, B.C., COVID-19 has caused greater need in Neighbour to Neighbour Food Bank. Grade 9 student Molly Nichols. school’s WE Club, dubbed “Project their community, they will donate “That’s what is the most fulfilling for me, knowing that our work Fairview, a neighbourhood in northwest Halifax, has a 30 per cent poverty rate, Equal,” Krishnaja went on to hold the funds raised to local food banks. is going to pay off,” says Grade 11 student Aeva Alexandrovich. with almost 50 per cent of children living in low-income households. Many students’ bake sales to raise money for the Krishnaja, who has been involved “Even though we don’t get to see exactly where each item goes, families access the food banks. The students are keen to make a positive impact in Terry Fox Foundation, serve meals with WE since Grade 8, believes that we know that it’s going to help who it needs to.” Aeva was this their local community and find ways to give back and support each other. at the Cloverdale Community being a passionate volunteer has year’s Media Head, responsible for co-ordinating public relations “Even without needing to be asked or without calling them out, I knew I was help- Kitchen and collect donations for the made her more aware of the world and media coverage of the event. She wants to become a para- ing them,” adds Molly. The WE Club has raised funds for relief efforts in Haiti, sold fruit homeless in Vancouver. Consistency around her. “I’ve become more medic, to continue to make an impact on her local community skewers to benefit animals affected by the Australian wildfires, and helped with a toy in her actions, rather than one par- hopeful,” she says. “Action really through her future career. drive. Molly says they have learned that even small actions can have a big impact. ticular cause, drives her. “Knowing does make an impact.” “When we think about people who are struggling, our minds that I am contributing to something When she starts classes at the automatically go to developing countries,” says Midhaa Ahmed, a that is greater than myself gives me University of British Columbia in the Grade 10 student who also helped publicize the event. “But even purpose and a sense of belonging. fall, Krishnaja says, “I’ll keep giving in our own communities we have people struggling with putting It’s something that I’ll always carry back through my own consistent food on the table or a roof over their head.” Midhaa’s involvement with me,” she says. actions — whether to a neighbour with WE Scare Hunger taught her that her actions make a differ- Project Equal’s biggest initiative is or to my local food bank. Volunteer- ence. She says she’ll continue to champion the issue of hunger in the “spring lock-in,” when students ing is something that I will definitely her own backyard through next year’s event. participate in a 36-hour sleepover continue.”

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Ottawa’s Isabella MacKay is more than a disability activist

Assumptions started stacking up against Isabella MacKay before she was even born, and she’s spent her life knocking them down. First, she suf- fered a stroke in utero, and and then was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Congratulations, Doctors thought she’d never walk, maybe never even talk. Today she wears a brace when she runs track or water skis and is a student journalist with bylines in an Ottawa newspaper. At 13, when Isabella felt constrained by the blanket assumption that all Class of 2020. teenagers are self-centred, she became an inaugural member of the WE MASS_NRG_B_Bleed_Mask_Op2 Club at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Many assumed that the club, all of whose members have been diagnosed with a physical Stay strong. Stay hopeful. or developmental disability, would focus on issues of ableism. Instead, they’ve mined their experiences and discovered an empathy that’s Stay grateful. Stay connected. branched out to cover countless causes. You have the power to “Society has an idea of who can help and who needs help,” says the Grade 12 student from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School. “My make a difference. whole life I’ve wanted to prove people wrong.” Since the group launched in 2015, they secured a grant from the federal government to renovate a local Ottawa theatre, ensuring that the space #StayGiving is more inclusive. They lobbied Ottawa mayor Jim Watson and secured In Manitoba, many small private sponsorships to replace the logos in accessible hospital parking projects lead to one big impact spots with a more dynamic symbol from a disability rights organization. at Home And they’re currently fundraising for the 10 Oaks Project, a summer camp Natalie Rampton, a Grade 8 student at Oak Lake Community School and safe space for young people in the LGBTQ community. in Manitoba, has always been interested in mental health. The avid When the current restriction on public gatherings hampered fundraising hockey player has long observed that the stresses of homework, ex- efforts, the group moved ahead with online movie nights and trivia events. tracurriculars and family can take a toll on mental health. She hopes Virtual learning & mental well-being resources Isabella has plans to overcome one more assumption. People with to combine her two passions to become a physiotherapist someday. disabilities are underrepresented among medical professionals. She’s “Our physical health and our mental health are what make us who to help you stay well and stay ready. heading to the University of Ottawa to study biomedical science in the we are.” Natalie’s character education class uses the WE Schools ser- fall, with plans to become a doctor. She wants to channel her insight into vice-learning program. As part of a project, she and 18 other Grade 7 care for others, she explains. and 8 students received community service youth grants for projects First, though, she has to finish high school in a year markedly different such as revitalizing the community’s day-care centre and collecting from any other. “Adaptability is the most important quality. It’s something pet food for the local animal shelter. Natalie organized a Mental rbc.com/futurelaunchathome you can only learn through experience,” she reflects. “I’ve learned that Health Week and “Graffiti Locker Monday,” during which students physically with cerebral palsy, but all of this has taught me to be adapt- left positive and inspirational messages on each other’s lockers. She telus.com/stayconnected able emotionally. And I know that will be a great asset in life.” also created stress-management stations where students could carry out activities focused on mental health education and awareness. © 2020 TELUS. 20-0622 WE6 • PARTNER CONTENT SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020

An all-star Stronger together: Preparing salute 2020 VALEDICTORIANS Canada’s young people for tomorrow to the Daria Strimbold Israa Hassan youth and Burns Lake, BC Calgary, AB WE Charity is deeply grateful to our educational partners, the dozens of school boards, education ministries and provincial governments across Canada. Through our partnerships and collaborations, we deliver service-learning programs, volunteer teachers There’s a small-town ethos A community volunteer from a at work in Daria Strimbold’s young age, Israa found a new opportunities and well-being programming to empower students to become agents of social change. who’ve activism. Growing up in a passion for social justice in village of 1,700 people in high school. Jackie Hodgson, been central British Columbia, she her social studies teacher, WE Charity’s mission is to create a world where all young people feel empowered to achieve their fullest potential as active saw neighbours taking care of offers high praise, calling her and engaged citizens. With support from provincial ministries of education and dozens of school boards, WE Charity delivers each other. That philosophy “inspiring and hardworking.” stepping has led her to collect canned She’s organized a school- WE Schools—a free, ministry-aligned year-long service-learning program that improves students’ academic achievement, goods for food banks, take a wide conference on human workplace readiness and active citizenship. The program’s classroom curriculum and after-school resources engage students up and stand against bullying among rights and a letter-writing her classmates, and raise campaign to support Amnesty and teachers in both local and global actions, improve well-being and nurture empathy in its participants. giving back awareness about the history International, volunteered for a and impact of residential wheelchair basketball league, schools. It’s also led her to ran the school’s breakfast We’re almost three months into look well beyond the confines club, and dedicated time to the largest global health issue of a hometown that’s nestled the ParentLink Centre, an EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS the world has ever experienced. among lakes and rivers, by organization that supports Life changed overnight and fundraising for developing immigrant families and Canadians have been grappling communities without access to newcomers to Canada. The with new realities, including clean water. An avid volunteer, through line in all of Israa’s isolation, physical distancing, champion athlete and work is an awareness of the CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: working from home and at- promising student, Daria may privilege of being Canadian Daria Strimbold, Layla Berih, Katie MacLennan, and Israa Hassan. home schooling. Despite the be from a small town, but she’s and a deep desire to level the many restrictions brought about already made a big impact — playing field.. by COVID-19, this hasn’t stopped with plans to do even more. students and teachers across the country from making a Katie MacLennan SCHEDULED TO APPEAR difference in their communities Layla Berih Halifax, NS and globally. These everyday Toronto, ON changemakers have been out “Leadership for students, by there all year long, working Layla’s resume is the stuff of students” — that’s the tagline hard to make the world a better varsity athlete dreams. Captain of the Nova Scotia Secondary place and coming up with new, of her school’s undefeated Schools Students’ Association, innovative ways to give back basketball and soccer teams, but it could also be Katie’s during these unprecedented she’s also an athletic council motto. An active association times. We couldn’t let the 2020 member. And she’s passionate member and leader in her school year end without a about community service. In school’s WE Club, Katie helps rousing, positive, all-out tribute Grade 9 she volunteered at run an annual winter clothing to honour them. a homeless shelter, spending drive and collects donations WE Celebrate: Class of time decorating tables and for local food banks. She’s 2020 is a one-hour special serving food. It was the first organized community cleanups broadcast hosted by Canada’s time she felt empowered and her school’s annual Terry own Lilly Singh, comedian, to make an impact. She’s Fox run. And she spreads YouTube star and late-night since combined her passion positivity, volunteering as Lilly Singh Selena Gomez television host. She’s joined for sports, academics and a community liaison at a HOST SPECIAL APPEARANCE by a star-studded lineup of giving back by coaching and youth and family centre and special guests, including Selena tutoring young kids from at Christmas by carolling at Gomez, Natalie Portman, Shawn under-resourced communities. local seniors’ homes. Kind Mendes, Alessia Cara and many And this year, as the head of and thoughtful, she shows others. From stories of change her school’s Black Cultures compassion in her leadership to surprises and memorable Club, she advocated for and inspires those around her performances, it will be the greater integration of Black to create change. biggest living-room party of the History Month to ensure that year, as we salute extraordinary all students see their stories Canadian youth and teachers. represented.

Natalie Portman Shawn Mendes SPECIAL APPEARANCE SPECIAL APPEARANCE

Thank you to our partners Alessia Cara Drew Scott & Linda Phan for making this possible. SPECIAL APPEARANCE SPECIAL APPEARANCE

Media partner

Johnny Orlando Arkells SPECIAL PERFORMANCE SPECIAL SURPRISE

Good food helps young minds grow. Giving kids the energy they need. To learn. To contribute. To live their best lives. Food is powerful. That’s why we’re putting the power of food into the hands of children JP Saxe & Julia Michaels P.K. Subban across Canada. SPECIAL PERFORMANCE SPECIAL APPEARANCE

Kids who eat well, do well.

PROVINCIAL PARTNERS

Jacob Tremblay Brett Kissel SPECIAL APPEARANCE SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

ALSO JOINING US: The Muppets, Joe Jonas, Shay Mitchell, Meghan Trainor, Winnie Harlow & many more WE.ORG Thank you, partners, for helping empower, educate and celebrate young Canadians changing the world

WE Charity Canadian Founding Partners

Canadian Change-Makers

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ME to WE

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Bill a nd S abrina Elkington

Russell and Ronnie Negus

John and C laire Nicola

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