I want to thank each and every one of you who kicked off your shoes and made 2010 Barefoot Challenge a HUGE success. Thousands of people worldwide got involved and helped raise awareness about the very important issue of child poverty. It’s people like you who make the world a better place!
I received plenty of messages from participants throughout the globe. Glen, a teacher from Brunei, says: “Our class did the Barefoot Challenge today and then spent our English lesson coming up with lists of things children needed to be healthy and happy. Thank you for inviting us, and we hope to make it school-campus wide next year!”
The City of Peterborough and the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield both proclaimed June 1, 2010 Barefoot Challenge Day and the Challenge got tremendous media attention in such countries as England, New Zealand, India, Australia, Korea, United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Four months ago, I also promised to have my head shaved on behalf of the school that raised the most funds for the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. My school, Lakefield College School, took that goal to heart and accomplished it, and yesterday my schoolmates witnessed my head shaving. So besides going without shoes, I went without hair as well!
I was also able to participate in an interview with the BBC about the Barefoot Challenge and International Children’s Day. You can listen to it here.
Free trip to the Arctic
Last year, I was fortunate to have an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. I received a Brita FilterForGood Eco-Challenge Student Grant and spent two and a half weeks in the Canadian Arctic, learning about climate change, Inuit culture and so much more. My online journal captures some of the most memorable expedition moments.
This August, Brita has brought back its FilterForGood Eco-Challenge Student Grant Program! Brita is looking to send three of Canada’s most promising young environmentalists on an amazing educational expedition to the Canadian Arctic with the award-winning organization Students On Ice (SOI).
The deadline for submissions is June 6th. If you are a high school or university student or know of someone who would be interested, please get the submission in before this date. To learn more or to apply for an Eco-Challenge grant, please visit FilterForGood.ca.
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
“Together We Can Make A Difference”
