The Role of the Co-Founders
The Role of the Co-Founders
WE Charity was founded in 1995 by Craig and Marc Kielburger with the purpose of ending child labor and empowering youth to change the world. For 24+ years, Marc and Craig have dedicated their lives to eliminating the root cause of child labor, which is universally recognized as extreme poverty.
Their work has resulted in over 1 million children, women and families to be lifted out of poverty in the developing world, including educating over 200,000 children. In North America, they engage 4.3 million youth to raise over $14 million annually for more than 5,000 local and global charities, log more than 10 million volunteer hours and collect more than 10.8 million pounds of food for local food banks.
Craig and Marc have made every choice through the lens of creating the greatest possible impact for the children they serve. As leaders, they are continuously seeking improvements within in the organization and themselves, engaging third-party experts like Dr. David Baum, an organizational psychologist and executive coach. Dr. Baum states: “Marc and Craig put themselves on the line, day in and day out, trying to deliver in creative and innovative ways, a place where passion and social cause meet.” He has witnessed Craig and Marc in all situations, “both in good and challenging times,” and notes the qualities that set them apart:
“As a team they are tireless, working harder than anyone else, bringing passion, smartness and an extraordinary vision to almost every endeavor.”
“Their deeply held core kindness and genuine integrity, which make up almost every interaction I have with them.”
“I have seen them make stunning personal sacrifices to either support their work or their team members.”
Neither Craig nor Marc have ever in 24 years received a salary from WE Charity, where they both serve as co-founders and full-time volunteers. In the spirit of transparency, they have voluntarily subjected their salaries (drawn from ME to WE) to third-party review. In reviewing any benefit Marc and Craig receive from ME to WE, Scott McCallum, who served as Senator, Lieutenant Governor and Governor for the state of Wisconsin and for nine years led The Aidmatrix Foundation, found their salaries are “at or below industry norms” and they receive no undue benefit from WE entities.
Any funds Craig and Marc bring in from WE-related activities, such as selling books, speaking engagements and consulting, are either donated back to WE Charity or go directly to the WE family of organizations.
Follow the links below to read more about the role of the co-founders, including independent evaluations and statements about their compensation and commitment to WE’s mission.
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