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31 hours, 134 kms and a $25,000 goal: Toronto man to embark on second walking fundraiser, this time to Niagara Falls  – NOW Toronto

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31 hours, 134 kms and a ,000 goal: Toronto man to embark on second walking fundraiser, this time to Niagara Falls  – NOW Toronto

A Toronto man is planning to walk roughly 31 hours from Toronto to Niagara Falls to fundraise for back to school supplies for students in his local community, after doing a similar fundraiser earlier this year.

Trevaun Douglas is a youth leader and community helper from Lawrence Heights and is setting off on the 134-kilometre trek on Aug. 10, with hopes of raising $25,000. 

Douglas was inspired to raise money for school supplies by the financial difficulties he experienced as a child.

“I grew up struggling with finding funds for necessities, a lack of resources and financial supports, so being able to take burdens off the community’s shoulders so they do not have to experience what I went through is the least I can do,” Douglas told Now Toronto in an email statement.

The money he raises will be used to purchase backpacks, shoes, haircuts, food, books, emergency food boxes, grocery cards for parents, and to host a back to school event in Lawrence Heights, according to Douglas. 

“I aim to surpass my previous fundraising efforts and make a significant positive impact on the community and for this to be the biggest back to school event in Lawrence Heights history,” 

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Douglas’ previous fundraising attempt received substantial online attention.

A video shared by Douglas documenting his 75-kilometre walk from Yorkdale Mall to Hamilton went viral on TikTok in May, garnering over half-a-million views and almost 40,000 likes as of publication.

He began the walk at 4:30 a.m. wearing a 55-pound vest and reached Hamilton at 11:45 p.m that night. His walk to Niagara Falls is expected to take almost double the amount of time. 

In total, Douglas raised $2,665 on GoFundMe which he used to take ten moms from the Lawrence Heights community to the Go Place spa in Markham for Mother’s Day. Douglas plans to continue in the spirit of giving with his upcoming walk.

“This time, I want to ensure that children in my community start the school year with the supplies they need and feel fresh with the free haircuts they will receive,” he said.

“Education is vital for a child’s future, and by providing back-to-school items, I hope to give them a strong start and alleviate some of the financial burdens on their parents,” Douglas wrote, adding that while he feels prepared for this longer walk physically, the most important aspect is to ensure he is in the right mindset before setting off.

“I do not think you can ever 100 per cent prepare for an initiative like this because there are many things that can go wrong, however, being optimistic and focused on completing the goal is very important,” he explained.

Part of Douglas’s preparation involves route planning, mapping out landmarks, packing extra batteries and chargers for his navigation electronics, establishing checkpoints and organizing support for participants who may need breaks along the way. 

“The hardest part is the physical challenge, especially during the long hours of walking, each city is 6-8 hours away depending on the pace,” Douglas said.

However, he won’t be walking alone, four of Douglas’ friends will join him.

“The thought of the difference my friends and I are making with this walk keeps me motivated,” he said.

Douglas will be joined by other community members during the first hour of the walk.

“I encourage everyone who can join my friends and I for any part of the walk, as their participation helps to amplify our message and efforts,” he concluded.

You can donate to Douglas’ back to school walk fundraiser here.

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