MAY 2005 ISSUE
Goodworks
Fight With Your Feet
World Partnership Walk Gets Set
BY KARIM ABBANY, E.I.T.
Did you know that in Bangladesh, girls typically attend school for less than a year because of overcrowding, lack of educational material and untrained teachers? The major reason is global poverty. It is every human being's duty to try to eradicate this worldwide plight.
What began as a city-wide walk in Vancouver is now a nationwide effort to combat global poverty. Since its inception in 1985, the World Partnership Walk has raised millions of dollars, with every cent going to far-reaching development projects in Africa and Asia. Started by the Aga Khan Foundation in Canada, the walk raises funds in order to support smart solutions to problems in the areas of health, education, rural development, and the enhancement of community based organizations.
Every year, tens of thousands of people in 10 cities across Canada get involved with the walk. It is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together under the banner of mutual aid.
The battle of Alberta is a close one. Last year, Calgary's 64 teams raised over $50,000. Edmonton's 52 awareness teams brought in over $40,000.
The event consists not only of a three- or five-kilometre walk, but also includes entertainment, information booths and food for all the participants and supporters. The walk is held on the last Sunday of May every year, rain or shine.
This year it will be held on Sunday, May 29, at the Prince's Island Park in Calgary and at the Legislature Grounds in Edmonton, starting at 11 a.m.
The World Partnership Walk is an event that raises funds and awareness for the Aga Khan Development Network to relieve human suffering. All of the money collected is matched by the Canadian International Development Agency and then is turned over to the network. Since all of the members involved are volunteers, none of the money is spent on administrative costs __ every single penny reaches those who need it most.
Since the issue of global poverty affects us all, it is important for us to get involved and to help in any way we can.
MORE INFORMATION:
Would you like to get involved? Contact Rebecca Strand, Tel: (403) 313-0367, E-mail rebecca@akfc.ca. To make a donation, register for the walk or find out more visit http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/