In 1985, a small group of Ismaili women in Vancouver wanted to make a difference in the fight against global poverty. Repeating simple words of encouragement, “rain or shine, walk with your family – bring your lunch,” they persuaded 1 000 people to don their sneakers and join them in a walk to raise CAD $50 000.
The women were driven by a desire to give something back to the impoverished countries where they had grown up, and to demonstrate gratitude for what they had gained in coming to Canada. The walk also provided a means to raise awareness and bring about change.
Those first steps gave birth to the World Partnership Walk, a national initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), that symbolises the commitment of individual Canadians to the cause of global poverty alleviation. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers organise the Walk every year, and it attracts tens of thousands of Canadians, making it the largest and most successful event of its kind in Canada.
The Canadian Walk counts itself among several partnership events in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, demonstrating a common desire among communities in the developed world to be part of the solution to global poverty.
This year, the Walk turns 25. Since its inception, its corporate, individual and team supporters and volunteers have together raised more than CAD $45 million. All of the funds go towards international development programmes, including health, education, rural development, as well as support for community-based organisations in Asia and Africa.
“Canadians have a tradition of caring about the world beyond our borders that has found expression in the World Partnership Walk,” said Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of AKFC. “For a quarter century, we have counted on the support of our volunteers and the generosity of Canadians to help AKFC bridge the gaps that deny opportunities to the poor,” he noted.
This year, the Walk will be held in nine Canadian cities over three weekends and walkers can register online at www.WorldPartnershipWalk.com. The 25th edition of the World Partnership Walk promises to be a fun-filled event for walkers young and old, so put on your sneakers, bring your family and join the fun – rain or shine!
