Aga Khan Foundation Canada and its National Network of Volunteers
Confident in the Continued Generosity of Canadians
OTTAWA, March 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC)
and its national team of volunteers launched the 2009 World Partnership Walk
campaign to raise funds to address the root causes of poverty in some of the
world's most isolated and impoverished regions. The campaign culminates in the
annual World Partnership Walk - the largest event of its kind in Canada - held
in nine cities over three weekends beginning on Sunday, May 31st.
In light of the tough economic situation, the Foundation is urging its
supporters to invite Canadians from all walks of life to join in a vital
partnership with communities in the developing world.
"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 said.
This year marks the 25th edition of the popular event which has generated
an impressive $45.5 million and attracted tens of thousands of Canadians in
support of the cause. The Walk's success is a tangible sign of the commitment
of individual Canadians to the cause of global poverty alleviation. All of the
funds raised by participants (100%) go directly to international development
programs, including health, education, rural development, as well as support
for community-based organizations in Asia and Africa. Not a cent is spent on
administration. Support for the Walk also helps AKFC leverage additional
contributions from major donors like the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA).
An initiative of Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), a registered Canadian
charity, the Walk is organized every year by hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
The 2009 Walk will take place in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto,
London, Kitchener and Montreal on May 31st, followed by Ottawa on June 7th and
Calgary on June 14th.
Participants can register online, quickly and easily, at:
www.WorldPartnershipWalk.com to become Walk Ambassadors or to form a team.
World Partnership Walk history: Twenty-five years ago a group of Ismaili
women from Vancouver came together to walk and support the poorest of the
poor. It was a gesture of gratitude for what they had gained in coming to
Canada from troubled parts of East Africa.
Since then, the World Partnership Walk, fueled by the energy and
dedication of committed volunteers, has engaged tens of thousands of Canadians
in a vital partnership with Aga Khan Foundation Canada - transforming millions
of lives in some of the poorest parts of Asia and Africa.
For further information: Jennifer Morrow, 1-800-267-532 (ext. 107),
Jennifer@akfc.ca, www.WorldPartnershipWalk.com
