While families across Canada prepare to gather around their tables this Thanksgiving weekend, a 12-year-old girl will be spending her time walking 100 kilometers to raise funds for children in need.
Meet Evangeline Link, a remarkable pre-teen from Toronto who is dedicating her Thanksgiving to raising money for homeless youth by hitting the road.
This is the third year in a row that the pre-teen has organized this fundraiser. She says the inspiration came from her teacher when she was in Grade 5.
The money raised will be donated to Covenant House Toronto, an agency that helps youth who are homeless, trafficked, or at risk.
Over the past two years, Evangeline has raised over $18,000 for Covenant House. This year, the goal was $10,000, but her mom says she’s already surpassed that.
The 100-kilometer walk started at her grandparents’ home in Binbrook and will end in Toronto, with the finish line being her home in Leslieville.
For every kilometer walked, Evangeline will hand out a wildflower to people along her path to keep herself motivated. This comes after last year’s event, where she suffered an ankle injury and bad weather but still pushed through.
The organization, Covenant House Toronto, told CHCH News that it is grateful for Evangeline’s generous spirit and determination.
It says the funds raised will significantly benefit the young people it helps.