World Partnership Walk to end global poverty returns to Calgary this weekend

On Sunday, June 17, Calgarians will join Canadians across the country for the 34th annual World Partnership Walk to help fight global poverty.

What started in 1985 by a small group of women in Vancouver who raised $55,000 (equivalent to about $120,000 today) from 1,000 supporters, the Walk has turned into the largest event of its kind in Canada.

World Partnership Walk Calgary 2017 (AKFC)

An initiative of Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), the Walk has raised over $100 million since inception – and 100% of these funds go directly to international development projects in Africa and Asia. These projects are identified and implemented by local communities, targeting areas of greatest need and providing long-term sustainable solutions – like revitalizing a rural economy, ensuring clean water and sanitation, and educating new generations of girls and women.

Last year, over 40,000 Canadians took part in the Walk, held in 10 cities across the country, to raise over $7 million (including more than $1 million in Calgary alone). And this year, they’re looking for Canadians to do it again.

Be part of the movement and walk the Walk on Sunday, June 17.

Image courtesy of AKFC

About Aga Khan Foundation Canada

For more than 35 years, AKFC has worked with Canada and Canadians to support sustainable improvements in the quality of life of poor, marginalized communities in Asia and Africa, as well as foster dialogue on critical global issues to enhance Canada’s unique leadership in world affairs.

AKFC is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, a family of private, non-denominational development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, the promotion of private-sector enterprise, and the revitalization of historic cities. The Network is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender.