Today was Free the Children's We Day in Toronto! I was a part of a crowd, filled with shameless idealists, 18 000 world changing warriors who are craving change; who want a better world; who want to leave their mark. We were inspired by Marc and Craig Kielburger - the founders, at age 12 Craig started this movement that has grown so much that 650 schools have been built all around the world.
I was in the presence of some of the most inspiring people. Betty Williams, a Nobel peace laureate, was very, very passionate and greatly moved me, especially when she had all 18 000 of us stand up and hug the people around us. Hugs are powerful tools. The cast of The Buried Life came and made a difference; Cherie Blair travelled to Toronto to share with us her vision and hopes, incredible....
Deepak Chopra was very, very encouraging and insightful - his passion radiated through all 18 000 of us.
This year also held a Peace Panel - with Betty Williams, Michel Chikwanine, and Dr. Abuelish...incredible, teared up a few times.
To close the show, K'naan sang Wavin' Flag - while he sang, the entire stadium was rumbling with everyone singing along. I stood against the wall, almost tearing up and thought to myself: this is what it's all about. Everyone wanting FREEDOM. Raising their voices to be heard. It was one of the most exhilarating moments of the day.
I wasn't at this event has a participant, for the past two years I have been attending as a volunteer. I was at the Trips Booth, getting people excited and interested on going to one of the five destinations Free the Children travels to. With 6 of us manning the table, we covered a lot of ground and able to reach a lot of people. I love, love, love spending time with the Free the Children staff, they are the cream of the crop in many aspects, always filled with stories and fascinating experiences that I never tire of hearing. This year, I was with Pratima - who has always been my contact person for going on trips and two new staff members, Jen and Peter - both very welcoming, warm, committed people that I hope I stay in contact with :). It always amazes me that even though we've spent only 7 hours together, we have an instant connection with these people, Jen and Peter have both inspired me so much! So, thank you Peter and Jen - today would not have been the same without you. You're so PHENOMENAL!
