Toronto Steps Forward with the World Partnership Walk to Fight Global Poverty

TORONTO, May 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto will join cities across Canada in the 31^st World Partnership Walk on Sunday May, 24 at Metro Hall, David Pecaut Square, in stepping forward to increase awareness and raise funds to help fight global poverty.

An initiative of Aga Khan Foundation Canada, the Walk attracts tens of thousands of Canadians united in a common effort to bring hope and renewal to poor communities living in Asia and Africa. Over the past 30 years, the Walk has raised almost $90 million for international development programs and initiatives, making it the largest and most successful event of its kind in Canada.

Last year, nearly 40,000 Canadians came together to raise more than $7 million in Calgary, Edmonton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Ottawa, Montreal, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.

"Over the past 30 years, our participants, volunteers and donors have made a significant contribution to the fight against poverty," said Imran Jivraj, Convenor for the World Partnership Walk in Toronto. "The Walk is a tangible way for Canadians to create opportunities for the poor to reach their full potential as human beings and to live with hope and dignity."

The World Partnership Walk provides an experience that is both meaningful and fun for the whole family through activities that inform, educate, celebrate and entertain. Activities include team games, a kids' zone, on-stage entertainment and delicious food. Participants can also learn about their 'dollars at work' at the Change is Possible tent. Expected attendees include Mayor John Tory, Deputy Mayor Denzel Minnan-Wong, Honorable MPP Reza Moridi, and MP John Carmichael. Our lineup of sponsors is outstanding, including Scotiabank, the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Foundation, KPMG, Wireless DNA/Fido, Remedy's Rx and Oxford Properties.

This year, for the first time ever, Aga Khan Foundation Canada's brand new Together mobile exhibit will be visiting the Walk! Together: An Exhibition on Global Development is an innovative, interactive and multi-sensory experience designed to spark conversations about the role that Canadians can play in alleviating global poverty. This unique, mobile exhibition is housed in a 53-foot, custom vehicle with 1,000 square feet of space. Together transports visitors around the globe!

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Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is a non-profit international development agency, working in Asia and Africa to find sustainable solutions to the complex problems causing global poverty. Established in 1980, AKFC is a registered Canadian charity and an agency of the worldwide Aga Khan Development Network. The World Partnership Walk is an initiative of AKFC. Donations can be made securely and easily at www.worldpartnershipwalk.com.

SOURCE Aga Khan Foundation Canada (World Partnership Walk)

For further information: Sahar Jamal, Director, Media, Marketing & Communications, [e-mail], World Partnership Walk, Toronto, 647-473-6763