Toronto joins World Partnership Walk to fight global poverty

OTTAWA, May 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Toronto will join cities across Canada in the 29^th World Partnership Walk on Sunday, May 26 at Metro Hall 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. All funds raised (100%) go directly to international development programs.

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. Since the Walk's inception, individual and corporate supporters, volunteers and walkers have helped to raise more than $75 million in support of international development initiatives.

"For more than 25 years, our participants, volunteers and donors have made a significant contribution to the fight against poverty," said Fiaz Basaria, Convenor for the World Partnership Walk in Toronto. "The Walk is a tangible way for Canadians to create opportunities for the poor of the world to reach their full potential as human beings and to live in hope and dignity."

This year's Walk will host a number of honourable guests, including The Honourable Minister Kathleen Wynne (Premier of Ontario), The Honourable Bob Rae (MP), The Honourable Carolyn Bennett (MP), Brad Butt (MP), John Carmichael (MP), Chungsen Leung (MP), Chris Alexander (MP), The Honourable Minister Michael Coteau (MPP), Bas Balkisoon (MPP), Joe Dickson (MPP), Jane McKenna (MPP), John Tory (former MPP), Councillor Raymond Cho, Councillor Karen Stintz (TTC Chair), Councillor Mary Fragedakis, and Bill Blair (Toronto Police Chief).

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. There will be educational activities at the Global Village educational pavilion, children's games and entertainment at the Kids Zone, activities in the Seniors Area, a dynamic entertainment lineup, delicious food and refreshments, as well as plenty of fun Walk-route activities.  The lineup of local sponsors is outstanding, including RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank, KPMG, Oxford Properties, and many other corporate and community supporters!

World Partnership Walk participants can join as individuals or on a team. Registration can be done securely and easily online by visiting www.worldpartnershipwalk.com.

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. AKFC concentrates on a small number of specific development challenges in health, education, rural development and civil society. In Canada, AKFC raises funds, builds partnerships with Canadian institutions, and promotes discussion and learning on international development issues. Established in 1980, AKFC is a registered Canadian charity and an agency of the worldwide Aga Khan Development Network.

SOURCE: WORLD PARTNERSHIP WALK

Azin Soltani 
World Partnership Walk (WPW)
Director, Media & Communications
647.883.0262
[email protected]

Florina Blaga
Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC)
Regional Campaign Manager
647.273.2506
[email protected]