‍Rio Ferdinand, Adam Goodes, Tsehay Hawkins, Sarah Wilson, Pat Cummins and Adrian Eagle lend their support in the name of social media for a better world ‍

Purpose-driven social media app, WeAre8, today delivered its inaugural industry event, called Changemakers, at the PCYC in Woolloomooloo. The event showcased WeAre8's key activities since launching in Australia last year. Guests heard from WeAre8's Australian founder, Sue Fennessy, on her vision for the future. Attendees included former Manchester United player and one of the most successful footballers of all time, Rio Ferdinand, former professional Australian rules footballer Adam Goodes, Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins, author and philanthropist Sarah Wilson, and singer Adrian Eagle. 

In its first community outreach program, WeAre8 unveiled rooms it helped transform to support the local community at the PCYC in Woolloomooloo. The building, which has been empowering young people to survive and thrive in partnership with the Police and the community since 1937, was transformed with an upgraded foyer, a revamped basketball court, and an improved youth space where children can do their homework or come in to eat meals provided by the centre. The renovations offer new opportunities for young people in the area to get inspired, explore their passions and develop new skills. 

Nico Nicoson, a leading mural artist and illustrator based in Sydney, Australia, designed a mural for the PCYC's basketball court. The mural incorporates visual elements related to the activities in the PCYC, such as music-making, boxing, and basketball, represented by abstract characters that serve both as compositional forms and literal representations of the activities. Nico's works possess an unmistakable energy and exude a palpable sense of presence, making them highly sought after. He has worked professionally as a mural artist, illustrator, and designer for over a decade, creating hundreds of murals and illustrations for public and private spaces.

‍WeAre8's founder and CEO, Sue Fennessy, said, "We are proud to support the Woolloomooloo PCYC, an organisation empowering young people for almost a century. With the help of talented artists like Nico Nicoson, who designed a beautiful mural that captures the essence of WeAre8, we believe that providing young people with the right resources and opportunities can help them build brighter futures for themselves and their communities."

Former England football captain Rio Ferdinand has been a WeAre8 Changemaker since its inception in the United Kingdom and believes in the power of collective change and said, "I support WeAre8 because it's a platform that makes people feel loved, respected, and empowered. I believe in uniting the world and helping to make a positive impact. WeAre8 supports charities and the environment, and I want to use my platform for good. I want to dedicate my life to making a difference in people's lives, and I believe that WeAre8 can take things to another level and help to change the world."‍
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Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins joined forces with WeAre8 for its Australian launch and said, "It's been fantastic to be part of the WeAre8 family since the app launched in Australia last year. It's great to see the PCYC  transformation in Woolloomooloo and know that WeAre8 is already positively impacting local communities, both on and off the app."

WeAre8 also launched ‘Close Up', the first landmark series commissioned by the WeAre8 Creator Fund, featuring five trailblazing actors sharing their unique perspectives on 'human experiences through art'. Hosted by writer and actor Zufi Emerson, the series highlights important conversations where they spoke candidly about their big breaks, shared lessons from working with industry giants and even exclusive sneak peaks at auditions. The series consists of five weekly episodes every Tuesday on the WeAre8 app, along with extended cuts on YouTube. The series explores different aspects of the creative world through a bespoke 'conversation box' interview set-up.

The five contributors are Carlos Sanson Jnr, known for his roles in 'Bump' and 'Malibu Rescue'; Chika Ikogwe, who has acted in 'HeartBreak High' and Russell Crowe's 'Land of Bad'; Mabel Li, who has appeared in productions by SBS, Belvoir, and Sydney Theatre Company; Mark Paguio, who worked on 'Spiderhead' with Chris Hemsworth; and Thomas Campbell, who has worked on productions such as 'Love and Monsters,' performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Zufi Emerson said, "I’m incredibly excited about the Close Up series and grateful for the WeAre8 Creator Fund. It has provided me with a platform to turn up the volume and tell amazing stories from actors who are on the rise. I was thrilled to be able to welcome 5 actors who spoke candidly about their big breaks, lessons they’ve learnt from working with industry giants and even exclusive sneak peeks at their auditions. We don’t need to look any further than our own backyard to find world class talent and crew and I couldn’t think of a better home for these stories that we get to see Close Up, than WeAre8."
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WeAre8 Australia CEO Lizzie Young said, "Since we launched the platform locally last year, we've seen incredible creativity from our first Australian Verified Creators. We're excited to give back to the creative community. WeAre8 is the only social app committed to giving 5% of its profits to the Creator Fund to help our citizens share stories with heart that help bring communities together. 

A huge point of difference with WeAre8's Creator Fund is that we are awarding funds based on the quality of the artistic idea and its positive impact on the world, rather than people's follower numbers or the number of views their account has."

Australian cricket legend Pat Cummins was also announced as a new Changemaker to WeAre8 during the event. On the alignment, Pat said, "I'm pleased to be joining the 8 family as a Changemaker and using my platform to help elevate some of the critical issues we’re facing today. As a professional athlete, I've seen firsthand the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when you work together towards a common goal. WeAre8 is a social media platform with real purpose and I’m excited to join the WeAre8 family and its partners to inspire and empower others to take action and make a positive difference in the world."

WeAr8 also announced the launch of Collaborate, an expanded client offering for brands looking to make an impact beyond just business results with marketing solutions that leave a positive impact on people and in support of the planet.

WeAre8 is the world's only sustainable social media app that is free from hate, is good for the planet, can put money in people's wallets, and reconnects people with the true meaning of community.

How WeAre8 works:

• WeAre8 Citizens are invited to watch eight minutes of curated content daily on the reimagined social media feed - the 8Stage. The content is dedicated to positivity, sharing different world perspectives, nurturing community and encourages people to make collective impact.

• 8Citizens can follow creators from around the world or become a verified 8Creator and contribute to a more mindful social media community 

• Watch opt-in adverts and WeAre8 shares a portion of the revenue with you for your time. For every ad you choose to watch, you receive small payments in your 8Wallet that you can pay forward to the aligned charity partners or in support of climate solutions.

• After eight minutes, WeAre8 actively encourages people to go and enjoy the rest of their day off their screens. 

WeAre8 is the world's only B-Corp certified social media platform, with 50% of profits going back to people's pockets through a revolutionised advertising experience, 5% to charities and carbon offsetting and 5% to a creator fund. 

Since launching in the UK earlier this year, WeAre8 has hundreds of thousands of citizens actively impacting charities and paying it forward in support of climate solutions. 
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WeAre8 is available to download now from Apple App Store or Google Play.

‍For further WeAre8 information, please contact: ‍

Michael Hickson, The Comms Department 
0448 108 266 
michael@thecommsdepartment.com.au 

Bec Brown, The Comms Department
0403 052 256
‍bec@thecommsdepartment.com.au