The family friendly World Partnership Walk returns to the University of Victoria campus on Sunday (May 28).
The walk started in Vancouver 32 years ago by a group women with a goal of raising money to help to end global poverty.
“It’s an open walk for all to participate in,” Zen Tharani, WPW chair for Victoria. “It’s also a celebration for us as it’s the end of our fundraising campaign, which started in March. Now we celebrate the work and efforts of our volunteers and ambassadors and their money raised, and it’s one more opportunity to raise money.”
The free event meets at the fountain in front of the McPherson Library at 10 a.m. and there is a 2.5-kilometre or five-km walk. Both routes are family friendly and there several activities afterwards.
A cultural stage show and cultural children’s interactive area will celebrate Asian Heritage Month. Instructors from the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence will lead sporting activities for children and there is a free Jazzercise class at 9:45 a.m.
There’s also food kiosks, and the opportunity to learn more about how Canadians are helping end global poverty.
Tharani’s been with the walk for 20 years, 17 in Vancouver and the last three in Victoria.
“The walk goes through campus and onto trails, it’s beautiful, with free parking at UVic for the day,” Tharani said. “Come and enjoy the entertainment.”
Participants are invited to pitch in a donation on Sunday.
Proceeds go to the Aga Khan Foundation which targets poverty in Asia and Africa.
In 33 years the World Partnership Walk has raised more than $100 million in Canada. Victoria is one of nine cities across Canada that put on the walk.
When: 10 a.m., Sunday, May 28.
Where: University of Victoria, in front of McPherson Library.