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Clarity and conviction, married and abundant, Their unflinching extended palms, Truly, a gentle balm softens Years, Of unheard “we are here! We are here!”’s. They ask “Who are you?” and “Who will you be?” Suffocated by hand-me-down patterns? Or Will you set yourself free? Three strikes you’re out, Ten strikes your gold Flip the script as you’re playing Change the game Not your soul. Spare no expense in trying. Strive for greatness. Glory. Legacy. Strive! You have four hands a

The Foundation had an incredible experience attending Corporate Connect at KPMG’s Toronto office, an exclusive opportunity created for our students and alumni to engage directly with industry professionals. The afternoon began with a keynote address from Brandy Ryan, Director of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity, followed by a Campus Recruitment overview presented by Sav Campbell-Sharma and Andrea Govedarica. Attendees also gained valuable insights during a Black Professionals Ne

Written By: Gino Giacomini, Director of Partnerships. The National Basketball Association (NBA) Foundation announced its latest round of grant making today, continuing its mission to expand economic opportunity and workforce pathways for young people in under-resourced communities across the country. We are honoured to share that the Pinball Foundation has been selected as a recipient of the NBA Foundation Round 16 Grants, supporting programs that champion creative futures an

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pinball Foundation, Legacy Lift-off honours the powerful journey of Black Canadians. This one-of-a-kind experience brought together visionary leaders and changemakers for an unforgettable visit to Pier 21 — Canada’s historic gateway. On February 3rd, 2026, guests embarked on an exclusive one-day chartered flight from Toronto to Halifax, tracing the footsteps of Black Canadian history and paying tribute to the stories that have shape

Written by Mert Uraz, a new student in the PinballBURSARY program. She started her first semester at University of Ottawa studying Biomedical Science. Accountability is not just about keeping promises; it is about being aware of how our choices go out into the world around us. At our recent meeting, we explored how self-awareness shapes accountability, reminding us that every action we take is influenced by our emotions, thought patterns, and current state of mind. Being s

We are excited to welcome our new Director of Philanthropy to the Pinball Foundation family. With his expertise and experience, we are confident he will be an invaluable addition to our team. MEET GINO GIACOMINI! Gino Giacomini is the new Director of Philanthropy at the Pinball Foundation, where he focuses on building meaningful relationships with donors and corporate partners to grow the Foundation’s reach and impact. Bringing over two decades of leadership experience at Tor

Written by Kemi Oyapero, PinballBURSARY Recipient What do all successful people have in common? Before they were able to reach security in their finances, their career, their own being, they had help. As young adults we’re in an awkward phase in life where your parents aren’t there to hold your hand every step of the way, however, you don’t necessarily have everything quite figured out yet. For many of us, as we navigate this new phase of our lives, it is difficult to admit w

Written By: Paul VanderGriendt, Event Manager Mentorship Session Diary. Entry 29 Resilience is something that doesn’t come easily, but rather something we build over time and through different experiences. Resilience comes from being tested again and again, having to face challenges, overcome barriers and find solutions. Sometimes we won’t be feeling or performing our best, but we need to find the strength to bounce back and continue moving. As long as we can find progress a

Please join us in welcoming our newest interns to the Pinball Foundation family. With their skills and experience, we are confident they will be valuable assets to our team. MEET JOHN! John is finishing his Graduate Certificate in Sport and Event Marketing at George Brown College. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Media Science and he has experience in sales, events, and fundraising, with expertise in creative content creation and digital marketing. John is also skilled i

Written By: Paul VanderGriendt, Event Management Coordinator Mentorship Session Diary. Entry 28 Our identity is the foundation of who we are. It can help shape our personality, but it is also much more than that. It is made up of our values, beliefs, culture, upbringing and mindset. It is what makes us unique, and there is only one version of each of us. When you think about your own identity, what is it that you want people to know about you most? Our personality can change

Hearing the stories of the people whose lives you have touched in ways you can’t always fathom is such a surreal experience. At this year’s Victory Gala, everyone in attendance was graced with an inspiring speech from Courtney, a student from the Pinball Foundation Margins to Mainstream Program who is pursuing a life sciences degree and has an immense passion for growing and cultivating beautiful greenery. Courtney's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that community

Written By: Paul VanderGriendt, Event Management Coordinator Mentorship Session Diary. Entry 27 We should always be true to ourselves when charting a path and setting the goals that we want to achieve. By choosing a career that generally interests and excites us, we are able to become more emotionally invested and avoid procrastination, complacency and loss of motivation. It will always be hard work, but that becomes so much easier when there is passion and enthusiasm behind

Written By: Paul VanderGriendt, Event Management Coordinator Mentorship Session Diary. Entry 26 Setting goals and striving to achieve them is how we can give ourselves direction and purpose in our lives. When we know where we want to go, it becomes easier to make a plan and gradually work towards becoming who we want to be. Commitment to the goal and maintaining motivation can be of the hard part. Not just having a main goal, but knowing the “why” of our goal and having a str

Name Jolene Institution Wilfrid Laurier University Field of Study/Major Health Science Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (Mentorship, financial aid, career assistance). The Bursary program has been a very huge and welcomed blessing. The financial aid has helped alleviate some of the financial burden on me and my family and has provided security so far in my post-secondary journey. Nor only this, but the mentorship he

Name Jeremiah Institution Tyndale university Field of Study/ Major BA social work Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) This bursary has given me the opportunity to do something with my life and not have to worry about any fees after my post secondary journey. It’s helped me get back some time I would have lost trying to pay off school by working soo much. Super grateful for

Name Josh Institution York university Field of Study/ Major Law And Society/ Criminology Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) The Bursary Program means so much to me throughout the last years because it has given me the opportunity to attend school with out having to stress about having to pay school tuition fees so I am able to give my full attention on working hard and do

Name Kendra Institution Toronto Metropolitan University Field of Study/ Major Social Work Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) I'm so grateful for the mentorship that this program provides has done for me. It helps me to think differently about not only my way around my studies but also how I think about myself and my personal and mental health. I've learned to take my ment

Name Khalon Institution University of Winnipeg Field of Study/ Major Business Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) The M2M bursary has been crucial in allowing me to go to university without going into debt. Previously, before winning the bursary I had been worried as to how I would be able to pay for post-secondary education. Thanks to the M2M Bursary program that worry ha

Name Onome Institution Georgian College Field of Study/ Major Bachelor of Science in Nursing Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) The Pinball Clemons bursary program is my stepping stone into the future I would like to build for myself. This bursary allows me to focus solely on my academic studies without the hardships of financial strain. It has allowed me to learn perseve

Name Tenisha Institution University of Guelph-Humber Field of Study/ Major Justice Studies Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) The bursary provided by the Pinball Clemons Foundation holds immense significance for me, representing far more than just financial aid. As a recipient, this opportunity is a beacon of mentorship, financial support, and career assistance, all of wh

Name Jonique Institution University of Ottawa Field of Study/ Major Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) The bursary program has supported me in so many ways that are not limited to financial aid. The biweekly Saturday mentorship sessions are always the highlight of my week; I leave every meeting feeling empowered and ready to make meanin

Name Victoria Institution University of Toronto Mississauga Field of Study/ Major Criminology and law Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) I’ve had the honour of being introduced to so many people and incredible opportunities thanks to the Bursary program. Specifically the M2M Youth event, I met some incredible people who shared their journey with me and recommended some gr

Name Xavia Institution York university Field of Study/ Major Commerce Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) All of the support from The bursary program allowed me to be more confident as a person which led to better grades and decision making for myself. Besides the financial assistance I am incredibly grateful for the people at the foundation as they provided me with a spac

Name Nyl Institution Carleton University Field of Study/ Major Journalism Please share what the Bursary program has meant for you so far in your post-secondary journey (mentorship, financial aid, career assistance) It has meant a great deal to me and especially my family. Just everything in a whole was a great help. From financial aid,(now my parents down have to worry about how they will pay for everything) mentorship, ( having a place where I can come and feel safe about ho