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`You're never too young to change the world': Kielburger by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 15 | Thursday, April 28, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com You're never too young to change the world. Just ask Craig Kielburger, social entrepreneur, activist and author, who co-founded international charity Free the Children (FTC) with his brother, Marc, when he was 12 years old. The pair created FTC, Me to We and WE Day -- all part of a growing movement of people uniting to make a difference worldwide. FTC, which delivers a sustainable development model that empowers people to transform themselves, their families, communities and the world, has helped more than one million people escape poverty in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Kielburger shared stories of the WE-based groups and his personal experiences on Saturday (April 23), when he was the keynote speaker at the Appleby College Model United Nations (ACMUN) conference. The one-day event brought Greater Toronto Area (GTA) students to the Oakville independent school to debate topical world issues in a formal setting, encouraging students to take action, explore innovative solutions and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Following the presentation, Kielburger sat down with the Oakville Beaver to chat about his work, how it has evolved since FTC began and schools and schoolhouses around the world... but I think the most important accomplishment is at home, inspiring so many youths, who are 10, 12 and 15 years old, to know they don't need to wait to change the world," said Kielburger. He said it's important to get students involved early on because when "you fall in love with a cause at a young age, you stay involved with that the rest of your life." It's also critical because studies "overwhelmingly show" that when a student is connected with an ideal and they volunteer to help others, it aids them in return. "It lifts their grades, they make more responsible life choices around drug and alcohol use. They're more likely to go to college or university. Just helping others is one of the most powerful and important things we can ever do for ourselves," said Kielburger. "The theme of the (ACMUN) conference is It's Our Time. They're absolutely right. Their time is now and they need to take action today to solve some of the great challenges facing our world." Since founding FTC more than 20 years ago, the WE movement has changed "very significantly," Kielburger said, as it began with see Twelve on p.18 Craig Kielburger, who co-founded international charity Free the Children (FTC) with his brother, Marc, when he was 12, spoke at the Appleby College Model United Nations (ACMUN) conference in Oakville Saturday. | photo by Nathan Howes - special to the Beaver about getting students involved in service. "Twenty years ago, our spark was lit as young people and that was the most important thing about our organization. We built a thousand APPLEBY Delivering Home Comfort From Our Family To Yours Since 1967 10 YEAR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY* Replace YouR FuRnace & aiR conditioneR 2015 Platinum Award thank you for voting us 2015 Platinum best Heating & air conditioning company backed by coleman's 100% satisfaction Guarantee* SYSTEMS UP TO THE BIG SALE! $ Won't Be Beat If you find a cheaper price, simply show us and we will match.* $ in rebates & Discounts 2,350 We ServiCe All MAkeS OF CenTrAl Air COnDiTiOnerS AnD GAS FUrnACeS $ *Limited Time offer. O.A.C. See store for details. ea Carnation Evaporated Milk 354 mL selected varieties lait évaporé APPLEBY 24 HR EMERGENCY OAKVILLE905.825.1893 FIREPLACE, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS BURLINGTON905.335.3203 HAMILTON905.540.9153 SYSTEMS SERVICE Catelli Garden Select Pasta Sauce 640 mL or Catelli Smart, Healthy Harvest or Bistro Pasta 300-375 g, selected varieties pâtes ou sauce 1 Trophy Peanuts 325 g arachides Wonder Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns pkg of 8 pains à hamburger ou à hot dog Flyer prices effective from Friday, April 29 to Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Ontario stores only. 2086 SpeeRS Rd., oakville Come See Our SHOWROOM Mon - Fri. 8am ­ 5pm; Saturday 11am ­ 4pm Check your local store for hours of operation. WON'T BE BEAT® program restricted to major supermarket competitors within these stores geographical trade area. Other conditions and restrictions apply, please see our distributed flyer or in store for details. We reserve the right to limit quantities. While quantities last. No rainchecks. We reserve the right to correct any unintentional error that may occur in copy or illustration. ®/TM Trademarks of Loblaws Inc. and others. All rights reserved, used with permission ©2016 Loblaws Inc. www.applebysystems.ca Michael's NoFrills Van Spall's NoFrills 125 Cross 1395 Abbeywood Avenue Drive OAkVille