CTC launches 2025 Tamil Canadian Walk Campaign in Support of York University’s Markham Campus

On May 21, 2025, the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) proudly hosted the official launch event of the Tamil Canadian Walk 2025 at the York University’s Markham Campus. The Tamil Canadian Walk is an annual community driven initiative that raises funds for charitable causes both in Canada and Sri Lanka. Since its inception in 2009, the walk has raised approximately $1 million, thanks to the unwavering support of our community.

This year, the Tamil Canadian Walk is dedicated to supporting York University Markham Campus, an emerging centre of academic excellence located in the heart of a region many Tamil Canadians call home. As a community that has overcome war, displacement, and hardship, education has always been at the core of who we are. It is more than just a value; it is our legacy. The decision to support this campus reflects our collective belief in education as a tool for empowerment and transformation.

The launch event was graced by the Mayor of Markham, His Worship Frank Scarpitti, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Canadian Tamil Congress and the Tamil community for their dedication, hard work, and lasting contributions to the broader community. He commended the CTC for its leadership and for championing initiatives that uplift and inspire.

CTC President Kumar Ratnam addressed the gathering and reflected on the organization’s long-standing commitment to advancing education. He reminded the audience of CTC’s instrumental role in establishing the Tamil Chair at the University of Toronto and emphasized that, “Supporting this campus is not only a contribution to academic excellence but also an investment in the future of our youth, including the many Tamil students who are charting their paths of success in Canadian institutions.”

Piragal Thiru, Secretary of CTC and host of the evening, highlighted the enduring value placed on education by the Tamil people. “From the refugee camps of the Vanni to the lecture halls of Canadian universities, the journey of our people has always been carried forward by knowledge,” he said. “Let us now help the next generation, walk that path with pride, with support, and with the full strength of our community behind them.”

Deputy Provost Dan Palermo, York University Markham Campus, thanked the CTC for selecting York University Markham Campus as the beneficiary for this year’s Tamil Canadian walk-a-thon. The event concluded with the sharing of traditional Tamil food, bringing attendees together in celebration and unity.

The Tamil Canadian Walk 2025 is not just a fundraiser, it is a movement. A movement to ensure that youth have access to world class education without having to leave their community. It is a call to action to build a future where students feel seen, heard, and supported not only academically, but culturally as well.