EDMONTON- Edmontonians were out and about across the city Sunday, for some very good causes.
The World Partnership Walk, which focuses on ending global poverty, was held at the legislature grounds Sunday morning.
After taking part in a Zumba warm-up, participants walked a five kilometre course in the park.
One hundred per cent of the funds raised by those taking part in the walk go towards supporting Aga Khan Foundation Canada international development projects.
“We raise money that goes towards programs in third world countries, dealing specifically with education, healthcare, and small businesses. So we work in Afghanistan, Africa, South Asia and it’s all money to help children and families sustain themselves,” explained organizer Danisha Bhaloo.
The World Partnership Walk was started in 1985 by a small group of women in Vancouver. During its first year, about 1,000 came together and raised $55,000. In 2012, about 40,000 people across the country took part in walks, raising over $7 million.
Organizers happily announced Sunday afternoon this year’s walk in Edmonton raised $1,050,000.
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Down at Hawrelak Park, the 17th annual Kids with Cancer Society Run, Relay, Walk and Pizza Lunch was held. Participants took part in a number of different courses including a 5×5 kilometre relay, an individual five or 25 kilometre run, a two and a half kilometre individual or family fun walk.
All of the proceeds from the race go to the Kids with Cancer Society.
Over at the Edmonton Garrison, hundreds of people participated in the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes. The five kilometre walk is one of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) key fundraising events, and focuses on raising money for research to cure, better treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes.
More than 45,000 people across Canada, along with five other countries, will take part in similar walks. The foundation is hoping to raise $8 million.
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