WE Day is an annual event celebrated on March 21 every year. These stadium-sized youth empowerment events are organized by WE Charity, the world’s largest youth-led charity. Formerly known as ‘Free The Children,’ WE Charity operates in several countries educating thousands of children every day. It’s an organization that manages numerous collaborative programs internationally as well as domestically. With WE Charity, we can do our part to empower young children and adults throughout the world giving them the tools they need to make this world a better place.
History of WE Day
WE Charity is an international charity and educational organization that runs collaborative programs both domestically and internationally. It all began in 1995 when a 12-year-old Canadian kid named Craig Kielburger read a news article about another 12-year-old boy from India who was murdered for speaking out against child labor. This moved him and his older brother Marc to form a group of 12-year-olds willing to talk about human rights issues.
The founding community initially comprised 12 children including Craig and his classmates who met on Saturdays. The real turning point, however, came later that year when he traveled to South Asia for seven weeks to learn more about children’s rights. This was when the concept of “Free The Children” was born. Some 20 years later, Craig and Marc launched the “Free The Children Campaign” turning it into WE Charity, a global movement that sought to address local and global issues that involved health, education, environment, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and the like.
WE Day was created to honor the students who have made a difference in their lives, homes, communities, and society as a whole. Although WE Day is a one-day event, it’s a year-long program aimed at improving the leadership skills of youths. WE Charity has founded what is known as WE Schools whose resources are devoted to helping students take action regarding pressing local and global issues so they can bring about positive change. They are taught skills and the right motivation in problem-solving. They are also taught how to be resilient, compassionate, and responsible.
WE Day timeline
Marc and Craig Kielburger conceptualize and launch the ‘Free The Children’ movement.
Marc and Craig coauthor and publish a book titled “Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World.”
The two brothers receive the E&Y Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Free The Children Charity evolves into ‘WE Charity.’
WE Day FAQs
Does the WE Charity still exist?
WE Charity shut down its operations in Canada after it made its announcement on September 9, 2020. It said, however, that it would set up an endowment to help sustain ongoing WE Charity projects worldwide.
Who does the WE Charity help?
Since its founding, WE Charity has provided more than one million people with clean water and sanitation and helped more than 200,000 children access education.
Where did WE Charity get its funds?
WE Charity operated entirely from donations in money and in kind, as well as services from corporate benefactors, foundations, and civic-minded individuals.
WE Day Activities
Take part in the events
Celebrate WE Day by taking part in the events hosted by WE Charity. It will be a true learning experience.
Donate whatever you have
Donate to WE Charity. No matter how small, your material support plays a huge part in a child’s life.
Share your story
WE Charity has played an important role in youth empowerment. If you’ve benefited from its programs, share your story on social media.
5 Amazing Facts About WE Charity
It was started by a kid
WE Charity was started by a 12-year-old Canadian boy named Craig Kielburger in 1995.
It raises funds for a cause
WE Schools have raised $79 million for more than 6,500 local and global organizations.
The co-founder is a ‘Global Leader’
Craig’s brother Marc has been named one of the World Economic Forum’s 250 Young Global Leaders.
Craig has 13 honorary doctorates
Craig has been recognized for his achievements and has received 13 honorary doctorates.
The brothers have been widely featured
The brothers’ work as agents of social change has been featured in “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “60 Minutes,” CNN, “National Geographic,” “Time,” and “The Economist.”
Why We Love WE Day
It tackles pressing issues
WE Day gives us a chance to discuss important issues. Topics like cyberbullying, transgender rights, child labor, drug addiction, immigration, body image, physical disabilities, and special needs are among them.
The world needs it
Since 2007, WE schools have volunteered 27.6 million hours for local and global causes. They have also collected nearly 10 million pounds of food for local food banks.
It brings about positive change
WE Charity has grown beyond students and schools. It has offered services and guidance under its innovative programs such as WE at Home, WE Families, and WE at Work.
WE Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 21 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | March 21 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | March 21 | Thursday |
| 2031 | March 21 | Friday |
