You’re never too young to make a difference and these inspirational
stories show that young people can have a profound impact on the world.
Teens the world over are mobilizing to make the world a better place,
to protect the environment and save endangered wildlife species.
Julien Leitner
Julian started his charity with only $2. He started the Archimedes Alliance
and asked 1 million people to donate just $2. “It hit me that I
might not be able to do something on my own, but there has to be a billion
other people like me who want to make a difference but feel they can’t,”
said Leitner. “I thought, ‘What if everyone just pooled their
resources?'”
He was right and he has managed to raise over $19,000 through online donations
already. He has also given donors the opportunity to select the charity
they would most like to support. When his total reaches the 2 million
mark, he will donate the money to the charity with the most votes.
Leitner’s charitable concept originated from the Greek mathematician,
Archimedes, who said, ‘Give me a lever long enough, and a place
to stand, and I can move the Earth.’Leitner believes that asking
a lot of people for a little donation is the way to go. Leitner is hoping
that his campaign goes viral and that this helps to spread the word. Watch
the video here:
Lexi Allen
This spunky 16-year old from Sarasota started a charity called Art 4 Niños.
As an artist herself, Lexi felt that all students should have access to
art. She supplies impoverished children in South America with art supplies.
You can make donations of money, art supplies or frequent flyer miles
here.
Cheryl Perera
This Toronto teen is the creator of the
OneChild organization which supports victims of the international child sex trade. She started
the organization when she way just 16 and has raised enough money to build
two rehabilitation centers in the Philippines for children who have escaped
the sex trade.
Hannah Tailor
Hannah started her first charity when she was just 8. The
Ladybug Foundation has raised an incredible $2-million and has helped 54 shelters across
Canada. Hannah said: “I honestly believe my generation is a hopeful
one. And I believe very strongly in something my friend Steven said to
me: ‘Don’t be afraid of homelessness. Be afraid of a society
that doesn’t care.’ He was homeless at the time. Now he has
a job, and a physical home as well. He’s now 25.”
These days, the younger students are leading the way when it comes to driving
charitable causes. Instilling empathy and caring for community is a great
way to make the world a better place. Encourage your students to get involved
with volunteer opportunities and to help others wherever possible.
