World Partnership Walk Logo
Retrieved from worldpartnershipswalk.com

Walk the Walk, Change The World
Rahman Mohamed

After its humble beginnings in 1985 when 17 volunteers of the Vancouver Ismaili Women’s Organization Committee persuaded nearly 1000 walkers and raised nearly $55,000 in support of poverty, the Walk is entering its 29^th year and has grown to be Canada’s largest annual event in support of raising awareness and funds for the alleviation of global poverty.  More than $75 million has been raised since its inception.  In 2012 alone nearly 6,000 Ambassadors and 4,000 teams came together across 10 cities in Canada and raised over $7 million!

Like many charities, fundraising does occur individually, but there’s also team fundraising.  Some teams have members as young as 6-years-old!  With a whopping total of $2,550 the top team in Canada’s 2012 “Tots & Tykes” category was the “Super Tots Ending Poverty Sincerely (STEPS)”.  They walked all over the “WLISA’s Happy Feet”, a team in the University-College category in the same city, Kitchener-Waterloo who only raised $785.  Even though there were other college-university teams that did do a better job, like “Edmonton Post Sec and University” that raised $8,050, the most of any college-university team, they were shy of the “Darkhana Community Team” from Vancouver, one in the Friends and Family category that raised $33,867 and Moiz Ramji of Edmonton, 2012’s top fundraiser who raised $38,000

So what is the World Partnership Walk?

The Walk is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), a non-denominational registered charity dedicated to finding and sharing long lasting solutions to the challenges of global poverty.  100% of funds raised go directly to poverty reducing programs, including health, education, rural development, and supporting community based organizations.  Not a cent is used on administration.  Donations to the Walk also help leverage funds from other organizations.  One of these is the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).  Anyone can make a team, join a team, volunteer, donate, or register to raise funds.  Visit the World Partnership Walk website for more information.  EVERYONE is invited to the World Partnership Walk, regardless of whether or not you raised funds or donated, or if you just want volunteer, or come out to enjoy the day with your family and friends!  It’s held every year! Whether it’s May 27 in Toronto, Regina, Vancouver, or Victoria, June 2 in London, Montreal, or Ottawa, or June 9 Calgary, Edmonton, or Kitchener-Waterloo, if you’re there go to the World Partnership Walk this year in the city nearest you and

Take steps to end global poverty!