National Philanthropy Day – Honouring Exceptional Contributions from Coast to Coast to Coast
Every year on November 15, we celebrate National Philanthropy Day – a day to reflect on the spirit of generosity in all its forms, and to celebrate giving, volunteering and community engagement.
We’ve compiled some impactful stories from the past year that exemplify philanthropy at its best. To everyone who has helped build and sustain the Trans Canada Trail: thank you. Your commitment has helped us to connect communities, inspire exploration and enrich lives across the country. We’re so appreciative of your support.
Photo credit : Monika Mistry Photography
Caring for the Trail across Canada
Every year, community groups from across Canada gather to clean up, plant trees, celebrate community spirit and raise awareness about the benefits of spending time outdoors and being active. This year, 222 Trail Care events were held across the country, from tree-planting to cleanups to honouring longtime volunteers to educational events.
Photo credit : Geneviève Lesieur Photographe
Exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism
Volunteers are the backbone of the Trans Canada Trail – each section of the Trail is managed locally, and in many cases, run by groups made up almost entirely by volunteers. Each year, Trans Canada Trail recognizes 10 outstanding trail volunteers for their dedication to the Trail and to their community. Ash Arrowsmith in Riverview, New Brunswick, and Ken Bouchard from Sentier Wakefield Trails were both recognized this year, along with several other exceptional volunteers.
Photo credit : Union Eleven
Powered by community engagement
This past year, the Great Canadian Hike encouraged people across Canada to hike, bike, paddle and roll a collective 30,000 kilometres, raise funds for the Trail and celebrate connection from coast to coast to coast. Suffice it to say, expectations were exceeded: over 2,100 participants took part, tallying 94,076 kilometres covered – more than triple the original goal.
In addition to logging kilometres, participants helped raise vital funds to sustain and enhance the Trans Canada Trail. In addition to generous support from incredible corporate partners like Athletic Brewing and Manulife, the campaign raised over $80,000, including numerous generous contributions from individuals and groups alike – a remarkable testament to the impact of collective giving.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated and came together in support of the Trans Canada Trail. These collective efforts demonstrate the incredible power of community.
Corporate giving makes a difference
Trans Canada Trail’s corporate partners set the bar for corporate giving. Not only does their financial support make the Trail’s impactful programming possible from coast to coast to coast, but partners such as Toyota Canada are also rolling up their sleeves and pitching in!
From April to October 2025, corporate partners participated in 18 online and in-person employee engagement opportunities. They helped with trail cleanup, tree-planting and accessibility mapping, guided trail walks, plogging and lunch and learns. A total of 8 trail cleanups took place, with over 100 pounds of trash collected from trails!
Corporate partners and their colleagues shared how much they love getting out on the trail and seeing the impact of their support first-hand. And their passion for the Trail is clear to see: 8 corporate partners created teams for the Great Canadian Hike, supporting the Trans Canada Trail every step of the way.
