15th Annual Tamil Canadian Walk-a-thon to support Sri Lanka’s most neglected community on its Education Needs

The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) will be hosting the 15th Annual Tamil Canadian Walk-a-thon, a charitable event that has raised over a million dollars in support of various causes over the years. The causes supported by Tamil Canadian Walk in previous years include the Sick Kids Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Heart and Stroke Foundation and humanitarian causes in Sri Lanka. This year, the Walk-a-thon will be held on Sunday September 10, 2023: 9:30 am, at the Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow will participate in the 15th annual Tamil Canadian Walk and support the education needs of the most unprivileged in Sri Lanka. The 2023 Tamil Canadian Walk-a-thon holds special significance as it coincides with the bicentenary of the arrival of Tamils from India to in Sri Lanka as laborers for the tea plantation industry. Despite the passage of two centuries, this community, referred as upcountry Tamils, continue to face challenges in accessing basic rights and quality education. In recognition of this historic milestone and the ongoing struggles faced by this community, the Walk-a-thon will center its efforts on providing much-needed assistance within the educational sphere.

We are committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. The history of Up-Country Tamil people in Sri Lanka is marred by a legacy of discrimination, exploitation, and marginalization. Through this year’s Walk-a-thon, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals.

The funds raised during this year’s Walk-a-thon will be dedicated to the construction of a science laboratory and the provision of essential equipment in the Up-Country Tamil region of Sri Lanka. This initiative reflects CTC’s dedication to empowering marginalized communities and promoting equal educational opportunities.

The Canadian Tamil Congress invites individuals, families, and communities from all backgrounds to join in this noble cause. By participating in the Walk-a-thon, you can contribute to the transformation of education for the Up-Country Tamil people in Sri Lanka, providing them with the tools they need to secure a brighter future.