On September 29th, twenty-six Delview students were given the unique opportunity to attend Vancouver's first ever WE Day event held at GM Place. A variety of inspirational speakers and performers addressed the youth on topics regarding the promotion of peace and taking the leap towards creating a better world. WE Day is an initiative put forth by a non-profit organization called Free the Children (which many of you may recognize as the power behind other programs like Volunteer Now).
The beginning of the day was definitely discouraging because of rush hour traffic, crowded busses and the even more crowded sky trains. The poor weather wasn't particularly helpful either but, once you entered the stadium, you couldn't deny the energy and enthusiasm of 16,000 eager audience members.
As the speakers and performers took the stage to promote awareness by sharing stories and statistics of social injustices around the world, they were greeted by cheers and roars from a spirited crowd of today's generation. Undoubtedly, those who attended the event gained plenty of knowledge to aid them in creating positive changes, whether they be small or large. This year's line-up included His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Jane Goodall, Mia Farrow, Jason Mraz, Jacob Hoggard, Spencer West, Sarah McLachlan and a number of other incredibly motivating acts and speakers (including the founders of Free the children: Marc and Craig Kielburger).
Although each honourable guest had different things to say, and different ways to go about getting across their message, the main ideas behind the youth rally were heard loud and clear. As Governor General Michaëlle Jean stated, we are “the leaders of today”. Students were encouraged to immediately implement a youth-driven movement in order to help others. After all, hope for a better future is influenced by the actions we take now. It's easy to feel small and insignificant in a world so large, but, like Jane Goodall discussed, it takes a ripple to create a wave.
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
September 29, 2009
October 9, 2008
The Significance of "Thanks For Giving" [N. Clark]
We are never too young to save the world, or to help the people who live in it. Everyone can make a difference; even the smallest donation or the slightest effort is significant.
Delview Secondary gives students the opportunity to have a positive effect on the lives of many people. The Thanks 4 Giving canned food drive supports both Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, reaching people who live in poverty from both communities.
Because it is a food drive, Delview enables anyone living in Delta to help without the inconvenience of leaving their home. Every single can or other non-perishable food item is greatly appreciated, so even someone with a low income who does not have much food to spare can participate.
Since Thanks 4 Giving’s debut in 1992, students have successfully collected over 10,000 cans each year. Last year the record was broken, as canvassers brought back over 14,000 food items. This year Delview set yet another record, with a total of 16,220.
Perhaps the most important statistic, however, was the number of students participating. This time 434 people helped, either by canvassing or working behind the scenes, like the hard-working yet oft-overlooked organizing committee, which was a 14% increase from the previous year. A huge majority participated; 74% of the entire student body!
The reason for such a large percentage is not a secret; besides being a great way to give back to the community, Thanks 4 Giving is a ton of fun. An atmosphere reminiscent of parties and dances surrounds the entire event.
Because the groups of canvassers are chosen by the participants, and thus generally consist of close friends, the door-to-door portion of Thanks 4 Giving becomes less like a chore and more enjoyable.
When canvassers arrive back at the school they are provided with free doughnuts and pop, giving students a sugar high that lasts throughout the rest of the event.
In the hour or so before the total number of cans is tallied, students are free to hang out with friends, take an insane amount of pictures, and, in general, do as they please.
Prizes are offered, and winners chosen through a random draw. Winning is extremely exciting; this year students received tickets to either a BC Lions game or a show at the Omnimax.
By the time the final number is revealed, there is very visible aura of excitement and anticipation surrounding each and every participant. There is not a single person in the building who does not feel absolutely amazing when they see just how many cans they collected.
The best part about Thanks 4 Giving, however, is that the moment it ends people are already looking forward to the next one.
Delview Secondary gives students the opportunity to have a positive effect on the lives of many people. The Thanks 4 Giving canned food drive supports both Deltassist and the Surrey Food Bank, reaching people who live in poverty from both communities.
Because it is a food drive, Delview enables anyone living in Delta to help without the inconvenience of leaving their home. Every single can or other non-perishable food item is greatly appreciated, so even someone with a low income who does not have much food to spare can participate.
Since Thanks 4 Giving’s debut in 1992, students have successfully collected over 10,000 cans each year. Last year the record was broken, as canvassers brought back over 14,000 food items. This year Delview set yet another record, with a total of 16,220.
Perhaps the most important statistic, however, was the number of students participating. This time 434 people helped, either by canvassing or working behind the scenes, like the hard-working yet oft-overlooked organizing committee, which was a 14% increase from the previous year. A huge majority participated; 74% of the entire student body!
The reason for such a large percentage is not a secret; besides being a great way to give back to the community, Thanks 4 Giving is a ton of fun. An atmosphere reminiscent of parties and dances surrounds the entire event.
Because the groups of canvassers are chosen by the participants, and thus generally consist of close friends, the door-to-door portion of Thanks 4 Giving becomes less like a chore and more enjoyable.
When canvassers arrive back at the school they are provided with free doughnuts and pop, giving students a sugar high that lasts throughout the rest of the event.
In the hour or so before the total number of cans is tallied, students are free to hang out with friends, take an insane amount of pictures, and, in general, do as they please.
Prizes are offered, and winners chosen through a random draw. Winning is extremely exciting; this year students received tickets to either a BC Lions game or a show at the Omnimax.
By the time the final number is revealed, there is very visible aura of excitement and anticipation surrounding each and every participant. There is not a single person in the building who does not feel absolutely amazing when they see just how many cans they collected.
The best part about Thanks 4 Giving, however, is that the moment it ends people are already looking forward to the next one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)