October 30, 2004

It is with great sadness that Free the Children and Leaders Today announce the great loss of Joe Opatowski in a car accident yesterday.

Joe was a mentor, a friend and an inspiration to his colleagues and to the youth to whom he reached out. He touched every person in his own very special way. We feel blessed that he graced us with his incredible presence, energy and love.

Joe first attended the organizations' Summer Leadership Camp in 1999, at the age of sixteen. Five years later, he was a dynamic delegate, organizer, facilitator and leader at Free the Children and Leaders Today. Joe was a gifted speaker and through his work, he personally reached out to over 100,000 young people throughout North America , inspiring them to take action to make the world a better place. Joe embodies the spirit of Free the Children and Leaders Today, and will be greatly missed.

Joe was twenty-one years old. But he was wise beyond his years: he understood that he had to be the change he wanted to see in the world, and was passionate about sharing his message with others.

Free the Children and Leaders Today encourage people to share their memories and thoughts about Joe at rememberjoe@freethechildren.com and rememberjoe@leaderstoday.com .

We strongly encourage the young people to speak to a parent, guardian, or a trusted adult about your thoughts and feelings.

We will find a way to create a memorial worthy of his humanity and greatness.

More details will be forwarded as we receive them.

We all have Joe's family in our thoughts and prayers.

Prayers and wishes,

Marc Kielburger