Photo: Jeunesse World Headquarters in Lake Mary, Florida
Funds raised during Jeunesse’s recent convention will help to change the future of one Central American village.
More than 18,000 attended the Jeunesse EXPO Empower 2016 World Conference, held October 8–10 in Orlando, as the southeastern coast of the U.S. felt the lingering effects of Hurricane Matthew, one of the worst storms to hit the region in recent history.
In addition to business training and recognition, Jeunesse EXPO included a special presentation from Craig Kielburger, Co-Founder of WE Charity, the nonprofit formerly known as Free the Children. Jeunesse has partnered with the charity through WE Villages, a program that address the primary causes of poverty with holistic, sustainable solutions.
During the event, company Distributors and employees donated more than $600,000 to fund the adoption of a village in Los Rios, Ecuador. Jeunesse currently supports two additional WE Village projects in Dao Lazui, China, and Irkaat, Kenya. As a result, these villages have benefited from new school buildings, clean water and sanitation systems, livelihood training and other advancements.
“To see thousands of our Jeunesse family brave a record-setting storm and come together with energy, passion and commitment here in our hometown was an incredible moment,” said Scott Lewis, Jeunesse Chief Visionary Officer. “I believe everyone left this event truly empowered and inspired to get out there and change more lives as we pave the way to finishing 2016 in record fashion.”
Those on hand for this year’s event had the opportunity to tour the new 130,000-square-foot Jeunesse World Headquarters in nearby Lake Mary, Florida. Next year, the company is bringing its annual EXPO—traditionally a one-time event—to five cities around the world. The tour will include stops in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Bangkok, Thailand; Milan, Italy and Macau, with a final event slated for Orlando.