Kim Plewes

An avid human rights activist, Kim Plewes is living proof that being young is powerful.

Passionate about child labour and the plight of children around the world, Kim started her advocacy work at the age of 12, almost single-handedly collecting over 6,000 signatures on her first petition and presenting it to the Canadian Parliament. Shortly after Kim began working with Free The Children-then a new organization-and was instrumental in implementing a vast array of new projects and programs. Some of her accomplishments to date are the initiation and facilitation of the Life in Action program, in partnership with the Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Foundation. She also assisted with the development of Free The Children's first US-based office in California.

No stranger to personal suffering and loss, Kim dealt with hardships at an early age, including the loss of her father after a seven-year battle with cancer and the sudden loss of her best friend in a car accident. She demonstrates how to truly live a meaningful life by remaining open and giving of herself to others.

Drawing on her international volunteer experience, Kim uses her powerful gift of storytelling to honour the many people she has encountered.

Topics of discussion

BE THE CHANGE: ANSWERING THE CALL TO LIFELONG ACTIVISM
CHARACTER BUILDING: EMPATHY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY
PEACE BUILDING

Kim is ideal for

Women's/Girls' Groups, Educators, Student Leadership, College/University Students, Non-Profit, Corporate, Family

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Testimonials

  • "Kim was exceptional in every way. The way that she is able to communicate such important messages to elementary school-aged kids was extraordinary. I really cannot say enough about her. As always, Free The Children has far exceeded any and all expectations."

    - Lynda, Parent, Ottawa, ON

  • "Kim was amazing and we all–including the supervising teachers–are in awe of her accomplishments at such a young age. As well, she had the audience totally engaged with her presentation."

    - Dorothy Davis, Vice-Principal and Director of Admissions, University of Toronto Schools, Toronto, ON

  • "What a wonderful speaker and human being Kim is. Our students and educators have been inspired by her experiences, perspective and talk. I am certain only good things will come from it. I'm so pleased that Kim was able to be part of our day."

    - Doriana Rosati, Learning Coordinator, Thames Valley District School Board, London, ON

  • "Kim’s presentation was well received. The young people on my planning committee said that she was very informative and really got them thinking."

    - Lisa Hampton, 4-H National Headquarters

  • "She so eloquently shares her stories of mission work through FTC that you cannot help but be in awe and motivated to be a part of their mission."

    - Karen Moyer, Co-founder of the Moyer Foundation

  • "The word 'perfect' is overused, but in this case it definitely applies! Kim's articulate, beautifully sequenced, engaging presentation certainly equals that of the masters, Craig and Marc. Thank you for sending her to us. Kim herself is one of the Free The Children marvels–an extraordinary young lady, modest about her achievements but so committed, and it will be inspiring to watch her move through the next decades of her life, making meaningful contributions wherever she goes."

    - Barbara Pontecorvo, Parent, Boston, MA

Kim's speaking gallery