Sometimes all it takes to bring about change is for someone to speak out—to share a story of how they overcame challenges or discrimination. It can bring attention to the need for all of us to fight injustice and work together to make the world a better place.

WE Day Toronto and WE Day Family Toronto 2018 provided a powerful platform for people who’ve beat the odds. It brought together world-renowned superstars and enthusiastic young change-makers who share a common goal—to make a difference in the world. The inspirational stories they shared from the WE Day stage were a rallying cry for all of us to feel empowered to make an impact, stand up to bullies and end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Former NBA superstar, cultural ambassador and award-winning writer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar now brings educational opportunities to underserved communities. Named after his legendary basketball move, his Skyhook Foundation’s mission is to “give kids a shot that can’t be blocked.”

Sabrina Elkington and her husband, Bill, lost their talented and loving daughter Erika, who died by suicide, in 2015. In her honour, they founded the Erika Legacy Foundation to help provide information and tools to educate communities and identify and support both at-risk persons and survivors. They’ve now partnered with WE to launch WE Well-being, an initiative that empowers youth and families with educational tools and resources to promote their own positive well-being and the well-being of their community.

Nasir Andrews was only nine years old when she captured the attention of the world by posting an anti-bullying story video she’d created. Thanks to young people like Nasir and our friends at TELUS, people are coming together to rise above to #EndBullying. We invite you to stand with us to take the Pledge at we.org/endbullying. For every pledge taken, TELUS will donate $1 to #EndBullying programs across the country.

At only 11 years of age, Jacob Tremblay has become a critically acclaimed young actor known for his breakout performance in the Oscar-nominated film Room.

Adam McMaster was born with the appearance of a girl but knew early on that he was a boy. When he made the decision to become a boy, he was bullied severely. Today, he speaks out to help others have the courage to stand up to bullies and be the people they’re meant to be.

Mariatu Kamara lost her hands in the civil war in Sierra Leone. Despite experiencing incredible tragedy, she has become an author and public speaker, sharing her story to help those who may not be able to help themselves.

Devery Jacobs was born Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs and grew up in Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory. While she always wanted to be an actor, she didn’t think it would be possible. So, after high school, she studied to be a counsellor and worked at the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal. When she won her first leading role in Rhymes for Young Ghouls in 2013, playing a strong-willed Indigenous character, it changed her life. Today, she writes and directs films to raise awareness for issues she is passionate about.

Margaret Trudeau, the proud mother of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has dealt with many life challenges, from becoming a prime minister’s wife at a young age to dealing with the loss of her husband and son. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she shares her stories of strength and resilience to help others.

Award-winning journalist Ann Curry has reported on inhumanity in Syria, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Congo and Darfur, among other places. But she was particularly moved when she interviewed holocaust survivor, writer and activist Elie Wiesel.

Legendary former Toronto Argonauts coach and player Michael “Pinball” Clemons is a motivational speaker and founder of the Pinball Clemons Foundation, dedicated to bringing disadvantaged youth “from the margins to the mainstream.” Through the generosity of their donors, Pinball’s foundation has built 262 schools in seven countries.