Trend Hunter spoke with Marc Kielburger and Kardinal Offishall about Free the City -- a Christmas event in support of Free the Children. Free the Children is "the world’s largest network of children helping children" according to Marc Kielburger, the Co-Founder of the organization. His brother Craig started the life-changing program in 1995 when he was only 12 years old. It started as a club in his school in Ontario and over the years it has grown to make incredible changes all over the world. Internationally they help free children from poverty by building schools and connecting with children across the globe. Domestically they work with two million kids to provide them with the tools necessary to help other children in need.
Many celebrities support the organization and perform at their annual We Day events from Martin Sheen, Natalie Portman and Nina Dobrev to Justin Bieber, Hedley, Nelly Furtado and Kardinal Offishall. Kardinal is a huge supporter of the organization and his involvement is so significant to the program. By bringing music and art into the picture, Kardinal is one of the many celebrities who help make these issues relevant to youth in first world countries.
People who get involved purely out of concern for these children inspire the team. Free the City brought many people together to celebrate what young people are doing in their communities. The youth involved in Free the Children are agents of social change for their own communities and for children all over the world.
Charitable Youth-Empowering Parties
Free the Children Brings Stability and Social Change Worldwide
Trend Themes
1. Youth-empowering Charity Events - There is an opportunity to create events that empower youth to make a positive social impact, while also supporting charitable causes.
2. Celebrity Involvement in Social Causes - Bringing in celebrities to support a cause can help make it more relevant and appealing to a younger audience.
3. Children Helping Children Movement - Encouraging children to help other children can create a powerful grassroots movement for social change.
Industry Implications
1. Event Planning - Event planners have an opportunity to create meaningful and impactful events for charitable causes that engage and empower youth.
2. Nonprofit Organizations - Nonprofits can harness the power of youth empowerment and use it to further their social missions.
3. Music and Entertainment Industry - Celebrities and artists in the music and entertainment industry can use their influence to support charitable causes and make a positive impact.