Just In: Sydney, eight years old, nominated for Me to We Awards

Hey Me to We’ers,

Every day I check the nominations to see what amazing story will come in. Last week I received an inspiring story about a girl named Sydney Whyte. Sydney is only eight years old but she knows there is no age limit when it comes to making a difference.

Sydney’s younger sister was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and Sydney is not waiting around for her sister to get worse. She's working hard to raise money for cancer research. Sydney’s hand-made bracelets have been a hit in the community. She has already raised $1,500 and isn’t planning on stopping anytime soon.

Sydney has given her family a focus for their efforts and an outlet for some of their pain by finding hope during these tough times. She's helping to raise money to fight a devastating disease that kills most of its victims—usually children under the age of ten. What’s even more incredible is that she is inspiring other children to help as well: another little girl is selling hats her mother makes and donating the money to Sydney's fundraising efforts.

The nomination period for the Me to We Awards are almost closed, as the June 2 deadline approaches, so hurry and nominate someone today.  

I am sure you know someone who deserves it.

In solidarity,

~Russ
russ@freethechildren.com

Sharon speaks out through Global Voices

The social issues column that Craig and Marc are writing for the Toronto Star is engaging youth and teachers in classrooms across the country. The column, called Global Voices, explores the issues that affect youth, their communities and their world.

One of the coolest things about Global Voices is that young people are getting to say their piece on the Toronto Star's website through the Junior Journalism program. Here is what Sharon Ng has to say:

Healing through helping
Apr. 28, 2006
SHARON NG

Michael Seccareccia was only 12 when he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. He spent that Boxing Day in 2001 moving to the Hospital for Sick Children to undergo treatment.

But Seccareccia's strength of character and will to live never let his cancer get in his way, and now, at almost 17, he's using the experience to create public awareness of the disease and raise funds to support cancer research.

His most recent accomplishment was helping to negotiate a $700,000 deal with the Sick Kids Foundation to renovate the eighth-floor cancer ward.

Seccareccia is living proof of the healing ability of volunteerism. "Not only through helping did I help heal others, I healed myself," he said. "I didn't grow as a person, it made me a person."

He also stresses the importance of creating opportunities for youth to become involved in volunteer work. "No one really knows what can be done, and unless there are opportunities, nothing is done," he explained.

Seccareccia lives the message that kids shouldn't have to face the reality of death, that cancer is beatable and that, most of all, the power to create change lies in one's desire to do so.

"People get too stuck on video games and other things like that," he said with a smile. "They don't realize they can do something beneficial."

Sharon Ng is a 17-year-old student living in Unionville, Ont. She is passionate about social action and is president of her school's social justice committee.
Check out Global Voices at www.thestar.com/globalvoices and learn more about what's happening in your world!

Adopt a Village Update: Knowledge is power

Hi everybody,

I’m sure many of you have heard the phrase, “ knowledge is power.” But is it really true?

Through my many years with Free The Children, I have learned that it is. The more educated and aware we become about the world and global issues, the more we equip ourselves with the right tools and know-how to make a difference.

A group of teachers and students at Annette Street Jr. and Sr. Public School know this very well. They decided that, in addition to fundraising to support education in Kenya, they wanted to educate Annette Street students about the issues to equip them with the tools to change the world.

One afternoon, the students gathered in the gym for a series of active games and demonstrations that turned the facts and statistics they were learning about into something visual, engaging and real. I then had the opportunity to share stories about my experiences to put a human face to the issue.

What did all this accomplish? The entire school has been running donation drives at concerts, putting together a charity badminton tournament, and more! The students and staff at Annette Street are great examples of how we are helping to change the lives of others by educating ourselves.

Peace Out,

~Jason
jason@freethechildren.com