Ryan's 100,000 Step Walk for Charity

This year for pride month I wanted to challenge myself to walk the longest distance I ever have in a single day, and to raise money for charity in the process.

On Saturday June 29th, my goal is to walk 100,000 steps in one day, equal to 80 kilometers, by walking around and past most of Vancouver’s key neighbourhoods and landmarks. Areas such as Stanley Park, the PNE, Commercial Drive, Main Street, Queen Elizabeth Park, UBC, and every beach Vancouver has to offer.

Why would I ever choose to do this? Well, partially because admittedly I’m a little insane. Partially to know that I can, and to say that I did it. But mostly I’m doing it because I’d like to raise $1,000 for Rainbow Railroad. Rainbow Railroad is a non-profit organization that helps relocate at risk LGBTQI+ people from around the world facing persecution in their home countries for their sexual orientation and gender identities to somewhere safe.

I do a lot of walking in this city. As I was thinking about the idea of this walk, Rainbow Railroad came to mind, and it struck me how grateful I am as a queer man to live in a place where, for the most part, I can live my life being my authentic self without shame. I can go outside on these long walks and take in these beautiful sights without fear of violence or persecution. Unfortunately, in 2024, that isn’t the case for so many people across the world, and it’s made it evident that I can do more.

If you would like to join me (at least in spirit), I would greatly appreciate any support in reaching my goal. Any amount helps!