Penny For Your Thoughts?

That phrase will no longer be something our children will understand here in Canada. Already an old expression, we will no longer have the chance of using it and making any sense to children of this generation. Today is the official final day of penny production in Canada.

So tell me, are you happy? Sad? Could care less?

Here’s a great reason to care about this historic Canadian moment: it’s a fantastic chance to give back. Here’s how:

I had the great privilege to attend the We Day event that took place this past November in Montreal. The feeling of positivity and inspiration was palpable in the St. Denis theatre, where over 2000 students, educators and speakers met. I got to experience firsthand how the young adults of this generation will be, correction, are the movement of change. They screamed, they laughed, they cried, they experienced, and they were changed, just as I was. With speakers like Romeo Dallaire, Liz Murray, Spencer West, and Molly Burke (look them up and be inspired!) I was honestly blown away.

I was thrilled to be able to speak with brothers, Craig and Marc Kielburger one on one and, let me tell you, they are something else. For mamas my age, you may remember young Craig on a little show called Oprah some years back. I remember watching little Craig on Oprah. Now, all grown up, Craig and his brother Marc are responsible for the global creation of Free The Children and the empowerment event called We Day.

This penny rally is just one of the many projects that the Kielburger brothers have put into place allowing youth to be inspired and able to help change the world. For more information on the initiatives, events, and inspirational statistics, visit www.weday.com and www.freethechildren.com.

Here’s your chance to begin making a change with your soon to be expired pennies! Help your children in the next days to collect pennies and inspire them about the story of We Day. My little one is five years old. I explained to him in simpler terms what our pennies could do for children that need clean water. He slapped his hands together, grabbed the plastic bag I was given for collection and said “I want to do this now”. I may have a little missionary on my hands. And I couldn’t be prouder.

A special thanks to RBC and Telus who were two of the major sponsors for Montreal’s We Day. Aside from their sponsorship, these are two companies working to make a change beyond one event. To learn how, please visit their sites and see other ways in which you can help.

Side note: Craig actually asked me what it meant to be a mom blogger. What? Yes, my friends, I explained that we mama bloggers can really get the word out online. It was the amazing Julia Gabriel, of Nugglemama’s Handful who let me know about We Day Montreal. Then I shared it with my Montreal bloggers and we stood there, a group of seven mamas, explaining this to Craig Kielburger. So to my mama bloggers who I love so much: please show Craig what I meant and tweet, share, and post your heart out about this initiative! Thank you!