Thirteen-year-old Evangeline Link from Toronto has finished her fourth yearly 100-kilometre trek from Binbrook to Toronto, collecting more than $45,000 in donations for Covenant House. CTV
At just 13 years old, Evangeline Link from Toronto is proving that determination and kindness can make a real difference. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, she began her fourth annual 100-kilometre walk from Binbrook, Ontario, to Toronto, raising funds for Covenant House, a charity that supports homeless and at-risk youth across Canada.
Her project, known as Evangeline Walks, has now raised over $45,000 since it began four years ago. Each step she takes helps bring attention to the struggles of young people who have nowhere to go.
Inspired by a Teacher’s Challenge
Evangeline first came up with the idea when she was only ten. One of her teachers participated in the “Ride to Conquer Cancer,” and it sparked something in her.
“My teacher did the bike Ride to Conquer Cancer and that really inspired me because I wanted to do something beautiful, meaningful for other people too,” she said.
Evangeline loves walking and wanted to connect the cause to something close to her heart. She decided to walk from her grandparents’ home all the way back to Toronto to raise money for Covenant House.
Overcoming the Hard Days
By Sunday afternoon, Evangeline had completed Day 3 of her 2025 challenge. Though she admitted it wasn’t easy, her motivation never faded.
“The journey has been good and it’s been a little hard this morning since it’s the third day in a row,” she said. “You’ve walked for two days already, but it’s not the last day yet. So you know, you still have more to go.”
Her persistence and cheerful spirit have touched many people who follow her progress each year.
Family Pride and Community Support
Her parents, Ryan and Teresita Link, shared how proud they are of their daughter. In an email, they wrote that Evangeline’s dedication has inspired both children and adults alike.
“In times where we can find ourselves surrounded by negativity, we could all use her motivation to inspire us all,” they said. “She wants the youth at Covenant House to have what she knows she already has.”
Covenant House helps young people aged 16 to 24 who are homeless, trafficked, or at risk. The charity offers shelter, education, and support to help them rebuild their lives — a cause Evangeline says she deeply cares about.
A Message of Hope
Evangeline’s message to others is simple: anyone can make a difference.
“I did a very big step here and this took a lot of effort, but if you don’t necessarily have that energy to do the same thing then always do what you set your mind for,” she said. “Do what helps other people and what helps you.”
She plans to continue her Thanksgiving tradition for as long as she can walk the distance. With every kilometre, she’s not just raising money — she’s spreading hope and compassion.
