Ryan Thirlwall is once again donning his pink tutu and walking 125km, all the way from Nanaimo to Victoria. Back in 2012 Ryan completed the same grueling walk, in 28 hours, to raise funds for anti-bullying initiatives.
On Monday he and his team will repeat Tutu Walk for Hope, hoping to raise $5,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria’s anti-bullying programs, as well as raise awareness about child and youth suicide prevention.
His dad Brian, has come over from Southern Ontario specifically for this walk.
Ryan’s friend Morgan, whom he has known since Grade 5, is also taking part.
Ryan will do the entire 125km walk, while his two teammates will be splitting the journey, driving in increments.
Although as Ryan says, the walk is by no means fun and will test him both physically and mentally, it is nothing compared to what children and adults face on a daily basis when they are victims of bullying.
Departing Nanaimo’s Woodgrove Mall at 7AM Monday, Ryan and his team expect to reach the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria, by mid-morning on Tuesday. One more support team will be joining them in Mill Bay and walking until Langford.
All donations can be made directly to the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria:
- Online
- In person: 301-1195 Esquimalt Road
- Over the phone: 250- 384-9133
In order to keep an accurate track on donations, when making your donation be specific that it is for the “Tutu Walk” using the KEYWORDS: Tutu Walk or Tutu
Ryan’s second goal is to have annual tutu walks take place within the school districts on Vancouver Island and beyond, specifically in elementary schools.
His third goal is to see Prime Minister Trudeau tweet a photo of himself in a pink tutu!
You can cheer Ryan on, Tuesday the 15th, at Mayfair Mall parking lot, across from Denny’s at 8:45AM.
Ryan estimates he will arrive between 9-10AM, and will post updates on social media if the time is delayed. From Mayfair people are encouraged to join the walk to the Boys and Girls Club in Esquimalt.
If you are not able to join for the walk, please join everyone at the Boys and Girls club to cheer Ryan and welcome him home!
Come and wear whatever you like! A tutu, something pink, a superhero costume, PJ’s or just dressed for work. Bring a sign, flag, pom poms – let’s show our community that we have taken a stand against bullying!
