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Going the Distance: 24 Hours. 80 KM. Over $12,750 Raised for Youth Education.
24 hours. 80 kilometres. One shared purpose: breaking down barriers to youth education to build brighter futures. For the 11th consecutive year, a determined group of walkers came together to take on the 24-Hour Walk in support of the Pinball Foundation’s Education Fund.
Beginning at midnight on Friday and continuing through Saturday night, the team walked approximately 80 kilometres, pushing themselves through a demanding 24-hour journey for a meaningful cause.
Together, the group raised an incredible $12,750 to support Pinball Foundation bursary students this fall.
A Team Making Every Step Count
Michael wasn't alone.
The 2026 team brought together returning participants and first-time walkers, each with their own reason for taking on the challenge.
Duncan Leung completed his 10th consecutive walk, continuing a decade-long commitment to supporting the Pinball Foundation. For Duncan, volunteering is about contributing to causes bigger than himself — and seeing Michael reach his 10th year was motivation to lace up once again.
Cory Anderson returned for his third consecutive walk. A former hockey player, Cory approached the challenge with the mindset of an athlete — pushing himself physically and mentally while embracing the power of a teamwork and coming together for a greater cause.
Jonathan Emmanuel also completed his third walk, bringing some hard-earned lessons from previous years: wear proper walking shoes, stay on top of the Advil, and apparently, save room for a pint of Guinness near the finish line.
Vincent Ciuro returned for his third 24-Hour Walk, with a goal of surpassing 100,000 steps in support of the Foundation. Between running after his kids and training for the walk, Vincent was ready to put his endurance to the test once again.
Faraz Tayyab returned for his second 24-Hour Walk, taking on the physical and mental challenge alongside a group of friends and fellow supporters. For Faraz, the opportunity to test his endurance while contributing to a meaningful cause made the journey especially worthwhile.
For Daria Krylova, this year's walk marked a completely new challenge. After years of encouragement from Duncan, she joined the team for her first 24-hour journey and conquered the 80 kilometres on foot.
And then there was Eliza Simon, taking on her first 80-kilometre continuous walk. While surrounded by teammates with years of experience, Eliza embraced the challenge with a strong mindset and a clear motivation: knowing that every step was directly empowering equity-deserving youth
Going Beyond the Distance
The 24-Hour Walk is about endurance, but it's also about community.
It's about the conversations that happen along the way, the encouragement when someone's legs are tired, the laughter that keeps everyone going, and the shared understanding that every step contributes to brighter futures for youth.
The $12,750 raised will support Pinball Foundation bursary students, helping reduce financial barriers to education and providing the resources they need to focus on their academic, personal, and professional development.
For youth facing barriers to education and employment, access to financial support can help build pathways where youth are guided by mentors, supported by their community, and equipped to reach their full potential.
The Finish Line
After 24 hours and approximately 80 kilometres, the team finally reached the finish line.
The legs were tired. The feet were sore. The step counters were full.
But the reason for walking was stronger than the exhaustion.
Over $12,750 raised. 80 kilometres walked. 24 hours of determination. Countless steps toward a brighter future for youth.
To Michael, Duncan, Cory, Jonathan, Faraz, Vincent, Daria and Eliza — thank you for going the distance.
And to everyone who donated, encouraged the team and helped make this year's walk possible: thank you for turning every step into an opportunity for youth.
Because sometimes, making an impact is simply a matter of moving one step at a time.
