Why we need a Dignity Walk in Toronto!
TORONTO, May 19, 2017 /CNW/ - As we see an increase in hateful protests and counter protests across the city, it's now more important than ever before to unite diverse communities to raise awareness and funds to support vulnerable people locally and abroad.
On May 20, 2017, IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) will host its first Dignity Walk at Queens Park in Toronto.
The Walk has been spoken about since last fall when IDRF launched its Dignity Tour to travel the country and speak to social progressives, activists, advocates, young professionals and youth about the need to ensure that all people locally and abroad have access to basic human rights, food, shelter, water and safety.
IDRF which has been in existence since 1984 and has been saving lives and rebuilding communities locally and internationally and follows the Islamic principles of Human Dignity, Self-Reliance and Social Justice is committed to ensuring that everyone, including those living right here in Toronto can walk the streets safely no matter who they are and what they believe.
The walk is set to begin at 9 am with opening remarks by IDRF Chair, Zeib Jeeva, O.Ont at 9:30am followed by speeches from diverse community leaders and dignitaries. At 10am the walkers will proceed to walk down Nelson Mandela Boulevard (University Avenue) and then towards Gerrard St, down Bay to Front street and then return to Queens Park with closing remarks at by IDRF's Executive Board member Yasmeen Siddiqui.
Dignitaries confirmed for the event include:
- Minister of Research, Science and Innovation – Reza Moridi
- MPP & Federal Candidate Jagmeet Singh
- Mayor John Tory
Event speakers include:
- Jessica Ferne, Programs Director, IDRF
- Dawn Martin-Hill (Six Nations)
- Nigel Barriffe (Canadian Urban Alliance on Race Relations)
- Sandra Noe (Federation of Muslim Women)
- Musleh Khan (Chaplain, Toronto Police)
- Dr. Doobay (Vishnu Mandir)
- Alex Wilson (Presbyterian pastor & Community Leader)
- John Cartwright (Toronto & York Labour Council)
Each speaker will have 2-3 minutes to explain what Dignity means to them and their respective community.
The event will be emceed by Farheen Khan, Advocate, Writer, Former Federal Candidate (2015) & now Director of Fund Development at IDRF, and Jeewan Chanika, Educator and Community Activist.
Zeib Jeeva O.Ont, IDRF Chair, emphasizes why this walk closely aligns with IDRF's core mission.
"At IDRF, we believe that dignity is about ensuring that people around the world and at home in Canada, have the right to be safe and self-sufficient."
Members of the Media are invited to attend.
About IDRF:
IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) is a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world. IDRF provides effective humanitarian aid and sustainable development programs, without discrimination, based on the Islamic principles of human dignity, self-reliance, and social justice. (www.idrf.com)
Additional information about the walk can be found at www.walkfordignity.com
SOURCE International Development & Relief Foundation
For Media inquiries contact: Farheen Khan, Director, Fund Development & External Affairs, International Relief & Development Foundation (IDRF), [email protected] | 647-971-5594
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