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Making Time for Joy
Student Mentorship Session Recap What brings you joy? It's a simple question, but one we don't always stop to consider. Following up on a previous conversation around joy and self-discovery, students continued exploring what energizes them and how their passions and talents shape who they are. Led by Geoff from One Voice One Team, this mentorship session was a reminder that growth isn't about being perfect. Here are five takeaways from the conversation. 1. Revisit the Thing
10 minutes ago1 min read
A Night of Champions
Recapping the 2026 Victory Gala Michael "Pinball" Clemons (in purple) and Sugar Ray Leonard (in black) celebrate with top fundraiser Alex Petricca (in red), who set a new record as the highest fundraiser in Victory Gala history, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to supporting youth through the Pinball Foundation's Victory Gala. On June 6, our 9th Annual Victory Gala presented by Central Ontario Building Trades brought together supporters, partners, alumni, students, a
Jul 92 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Kristine
Introducing the PinballBURSARY Class of 2026! Meet Kristine Morrison, a graduate of Brock University's Business Administration program and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026. Through her determination, hard work, and commitment to her education, Kristine has reached an important milestone in her academic journey. Her dedication has prepared her with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the world of business and beyond. We are incredibly proud of Kristine and all th
Jul 91 min read
Finding Your Authentic Self
Student Mentorship Session Breakdown The first of seven summer mentorship sessions kicked off with a conversation around authentic awareness. Led by our mentorship partner, One Voice, One Team, students explored what it means to understand who you are, what shapes your perspective, and how that understanding evolves over time. The session challenged students to think about why they think the way they do and encouraged them to recognize that awareness isn't something we're bor
Jun 302 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Khaosara
Meet Khaosara Animashaun, a graduate of George Brown College's Digital Experience Design program and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026. Through her creativity, dedication, and commitment to her education, Khaosara has reached an important milestone in her academic journey. Her passion for design and innovation has equipped her with the skills to create meaningful digital experiences and prepare for an exciting career ahead. This program has helped me with my mindse
Jun 261 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Allen
Meet Allen Chen, a graduate of the University of Toronto's Sociology program and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026. Through his determination, hard work, and commitment to his education, Allen has reached an important milestone in his academic journey. His dedication and perseverance have helped him achieve success and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead. I would not have been able to finish university without the support of the foundation. During my studi
Jun 161 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Tamia
Meet Tamia Gordon, a graduate of George Brown College's Social Service Worker program and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026. Tamia's commitment to supporting individuals and strengthening communities reflects the compassion, resilience, and dedication that define the social services profession. Through her education and hard work, she has built a strong foundation for a meaningful career focused on helping others and creating positive change. This scholarship has o
Jun 161 min read
Corporate Connect: BOLDforce at Salesforce
On June 9, 2026, the Pinball Foundation proudly partnered with Salesforce and GenForce to host BOLDforce, an engaging mentorship and career development event designed for young adults aged 19–29. Hosted at the Salesforce Toronto office, BOLDforce brought together mentees, mentors, and Salesforce volunteers for an afternoon of learning, networking, and inspiration. Participants enjoyed a welcome lunch, heard from Salesforce leaders, engaged in a panel discussion and Q&A, and g
Jun 161 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Melissa
Meet Melissa Melbourne, a graduate of Carleton University's Criminology and Criminal Justice program with a concentration in Law and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026. Melissa's dedication to understanding the justice system, legal frameworks, and the factors that shape our communities reflects her commitment to making a positive impact. Her academic achievements and perseverance have prepared her to contribute meaningfully to the fields of law, justice, and public
Jun 153 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Adam
Meet Adam Elmi, a graduate of Seneca College's Business Technology Management program and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026 By combining business strategy with technology expertise, Adam has developed the skills needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. His dedication and hard work have prepared him to make meaningful contributions at the intersection of business and innovation. Receiving this Bursary has had a major impact on both my life and
Jun 123 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Illinoy
Meet Illinoy Roberts-Farquharson, a graduate of Centennial College and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026. Driven by a passion for innovation and engineering, Illinoy aspires to build a career as an Aerospace CAD Engineer, helping shape the future of aerospace design and manufacturing. “What I like about the Pinball Foundation is the community. When it comes to students, just talking to them basically on a day-to-day basis, trying to go through school, is very helpf
Jun 121 min read
Recognizing the Achievements of the PinballBURSARY Class of 2026
Surrounded by family, friends, mentors, supporters, and members of the Pinball Foundation community, the 22 graduates of the PinballBURSARY program gathered at our offices to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Filled with pride, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead, the evening was an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the Class of 2026, whose career paths range from chemical engineering to nursing, and everything
Jun 122 min read
PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Justin
Meet Justin Patrocinio, a graduate of McGill University and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026. Justin completed his studies with an outstanding 3.99/4.00 GPA, reflecting the dedication, perseverance, and excellence that define this year's bursary recipients. “This Bursary has helped me incredibly - so much so, words can't really describe it. Not only did PinballBURSARY offer financial relief in my last three years of university, but it also provided me with a commu
Jun 111 min read
Celebrating the 167 PinballMiCRO Graduates of 2025
Last week at George Brown College, we had the privilege of celebrating an extraordinary milestone alongside the 167 graduates of the PinballMiCRO Business Administration Micro-Credential program. This achievement represents far more than completing a program, it reflects resilience, determination, and the courage to keep moving forward in the face of life’s challenges. Each graduate reached this moment through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to building
May 291 min read
Finding Joy as a Foundation for Success
Student Mentorship Session Breakdown In our latest mentorship session, students explored a powerful question: What brings you joy? Through open discussion and shared experiences, the group reflected on the activities that help them manage stress, stay balanced, and show up as their best selves, especially during exam season. Brilliantly led by our mentorship partner, One Voice, One Team, the session was centered around important key themes. Making Time for What Matters One
May 192 min read
The Reason Behind Every Round
Sunday Smash: Student Edition Sunday Smash looked a little different this time around. Instead of just training for the fight ahead, our fighters were joined by the students they’re stepping into the ring for, bringing purpose to every punch and every round. What unfolded over the hour wasn’t just a training session. It was a chance to put a face behind the fight. Students got the opportunity to experience what it really takes to prepare for fight night, while fighters were r
May 121 min read
Success Story: Amanual Bisrat
Amanual was an outstanding participant in our Mentorship & Employability Program. He consistently showed up on time, prepared, and ready to learn. He actively engaged with his peers and brought positive energy to every session. At the “Hiring Affair,” Amanual arrived fully prepared and delivered an excellent interview—so impressive that he received a job offer just days later. These were some of Amanual’s thoughts on the program: How would you describe the program to someone
May 122 min read
Celebrating Community During #SmileCookieWeek
There’s something powerful about seeing a community come together, and yesterday was a perfect example of just that. Our Dream Team set out with one goal in mind: to personally connect with the incredible partners and supporters who believe in our mission of giving youth a hopeful future. To make the day even more memorable, we added a bit of friendly competition by dividing into two groups, Team West vs. Team East, bringing energy, excitement, and plenty of smiles along the
May 11 min read
Donor Spotlight: Shannon Morgan - A Decade of Impact
This season of new beginnings, we’re proud to shine a light on Shannon Morgan, who has been at the heart of the Pinball Foundation community for over a decade. Shannon is more than a supporter. She is a dedicated volunteer, advocate, and friend of the Foundation. Her unwavering commitment has helped shape the lives of countless young people, and her belief in our mission continues to inspire those around her. In her own words: “The Pinball Foundation is truly one-of-a-kind. I
Apr 292 min read
Zoomer Magazine: Playing it Forward
Michael "Pinball" and Diane Clemons are building a legacy for their family and for young people in the community who need a "hand up" By Suzane Boyd Photography Chris Nicholls Published March 31st, 2026 Halfway through our cover shoot, Michael "Pinball" Clemons - who, with his wife, Diane, had been laughing, dancing and generally being a good and patient sport - remarked out of the blue: "Every day above ground shows potential." Well amen to that, as everyone within earshot s
Apr 2711 min read
Celebrating Women Who Uplift Women: A Look Back at “Give Her Flowers”
International Women’s Day is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the globe. At the Pinball Foundation, this celebration extends far beyond a single day - it’s a commitment we carry all year long. On March 2nd, that commitment came to life through Give Her Flowers, a special gathering held at Smeg Toronto. The event brought together an inspiring group of women, from executives to students in our PinballBURSARY program, for an afternoo
Mar 311 min read
Sunday Smash: More Than Just Training
Sundays are for grit, guts, and grind. In the lead-up to the annual Victory Gala, Oakville Boxing Academy lights up Sunday mornings with Sunday Smash. Every other week, our fighters come together not just to train, but to connect, push limits, and stay accountable. Sunday Smash is more than just a workout—it's where the journey takes shape. It's where the community shows up. Family, friends, and supporters are invited to be part of the action, standing in their boxer's corne
Mar 311 min read
PinballACCELERATOR’s Biggest Cohort Yet: Fast-Tracking Futures in Just 3 Weeks
On March 9th, a new group of motivated young people took a big step toward their futures by joining the PinballACCELERATOR cohort. Just under three weeks later, on March 27th, they crossed the finish line equipped with new skills, stronger confidence, and a clearer path into meaningful employment. PinballACCELERATOR is more than just a training program. It’s an intensive, fast-track career readiness experience designed specifically for youth aged 18–29 who are ready to transi
Mar 311 min read
Welcome PinballNEXT Ambassadors!
We’re excited to introduce the newest PinballNEXT Ambassadors, proud alumni of the Pinball Foundation. Having previously participated in our programs, they bring a unique perspective shaped by firsthand experience, growth, and a deep connection to the mission of empowering the next generation of changemakers. As a PinballNEXT Ambassador, they now step into a leadership role, giving back to the community that helped shape their journey while inspiring current and future partic
Mar 206 min read
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