Montreal, Quebec, Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Hi, everyone!

I’m delighted to be here with you.

As you know, some people shave their heads for a good cause.

Me, well, I did the opposite in that video for the My Giving Moment campaign!

I grew it long!

What do you think? I can’t decide. Do I look better with my hair short, or long?! 

That video shows us that there are so many creative and inspiring ways to make a difference and give to others!

I want to thank all of you for the actions you took that led to your being here.

Do you realize that together, you’ve carried out thousands of acts of caring?

Frankly, I’m impressed!

I’m told that more than 60,000 young people participated in WE Day in Quebec last year.

You and thousands of other young Quebeckers volunteered almost 100,000 hours of your time!

You raised more than $300,000 dollars for good causes!

When I hear those numbers, I know that your generation really can change our world!

I have here with me a few examples of leaders from your generation.

Let me introduce you to ten inspiring people who are helping others in extraordinary ways.

Today, we’re giving them a very special thank you with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

This national award recognizes people who give without expectation of reward.

But a little recognition never hurt anyone!

These young people promote fair trade, protect our environment and volunteer in soup kitchens.

Some are involved in the arts, organize clothing drives or care for stray animals.

Their talent, time and energy are precious gifts!

And I know that all of you here today have something unique to give.

Keep doing what you do.

Keep caring.

Keep building a better world.

We need you!

The world needs you!

Have a wonderful WE Day, everyone!