WE Day

W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S S P E C A I L F E AT U R E | N O V E M B E R 16 , 2 016 | P A G E 3 WE DAY SPECIAL SECTION SECTION 3 from For Kerrie Everitt, the challenge was overwhelming: organize an around-the-world journey where 11-year-old daughter Capri would sing 80 national anthems in each country's native language. "The planning was intense!" Kerrie laughs. "It was like a puzzle trying to figure out how to get to all these countries in just nine months." After finalizing the route, there was still plenty to do: arrange homeschooling for the kids, rent out the house, sell the cars and find someone to manage the family business. The idea came after Aunt Marcie gave them The World Needs Your Kid, written by Craig and Marc Kielburger, a book about raising caring and compassionate children. "It had stories about orphaned and abandoned children who couldn't go to school because they were busy finding food to eat," says Capri. "That really got to me and I wanted to help." On November 20, 2015— Universal Children's Day—the Everitts crammed their lives into four small suitcases and embarked on what would be their greatest adventure and bonding experience. Capri was their star singer; little brother Bowen, a budding journalist, handled the blog; Mom took care of logistics; and Dad, Tom, was the family photographer. "I was also in charge of security and carrying luggage!" Tom jokes. As they travelled the world trying to change others' lives, they realized it was their lives being changed. Around the world in 80 anthems Canadian family travels globe, raises funds for orphaned children ~KIYOYE MARANGOS "I learned not to take things for granted," Capri says. "Not just material things, but opportunities." "We realized that the material comfort we were used to, we could live without," Kerrie adds. "As a family, we learned that we're stronger than we thought." The Everitts wrapped up their journey on August 12 when Capri sang the American national anthem in front of a stadium of baseball fans at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Now back in Canada, the Everitts are working on a book and documentary that will detail their travels and help raise more money. "Things we used to worry about seem trivial now," says Kerrie. "We want to continue to inspire people and work toward something for the greater good." Grow as a family by taking on new challenges together! Below are some fun ideas for taking action, giving back and spreading love in your home and community. 1. Volunteer to drive hunger away. Contact a local food bank and spend the day sorting cans and boxes, or get in touch with your nearest soup kitchen and ask if they need help cooking or handing out meals. 2. Plant a tree—or two or three! Whether it's in your own backyard or as part of a reforestation project, connect as a family while connecting with nature by planting new trees. 3. Welcome new families. Reach out to new families in your neighbourhood and help them get acquainted with the area by treating them to the "insider's" tour of the community. 4. Plan a bake sale. Get your family, friends and neighbours together to whip up a batch of something unforgettable and donate all proceeds to a charity of your choice. 5. Go on a random-acts-of-kindness spree! Plan and perform some (not so) random acts of kindness in your community—buy lunch for a stranger, sneak a note into the pocket of a loved one or open someone's door. 6. Unplug electronics. This one's not just good for the environment—it's good for family bonding too! Take a day (or a whole weekend) and focus on being with each other and in the moment. 7. Lend a hand to the elderly. Find out if there's a retirement home in your neighbourhood or an elderly person down the street and offer to cut their grass, shovel their snow or care for their garden. Find more activities, inspiration and fun ideas to enjoy with your family at WE.org/we-at-home. Seven fun activities for WE Families The Everitt family meets with the Mayor of Cozumel, Mexico, on their global tour to raise funds for orphaned children. Exhausted after racing from an interview, the Everitts arrive at the Guinness World Records headquarters in London, England.

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