Staff and students take steps to end global poverty at World Partnership Walk

Five kilometres, positive team spirit and a shared goal of fighting global poverty—these were the key ingredients to UVic’s participation in the 2011 World Partnership Walk (WPW), held May 29 at Beacon Hill Park.

More than 25 UVic staff, students and their families took part in last month’s WPW event, which is Canada’s largest fundraiser aimed at fighting global poverty.The UVic team walked 5 km along Dallas Road and raised over $6,000 towards the total of $200,000. One hundred per cent of these funds will go directly to support community-led social development projects in the most impoverished regions of Asia and Africa. 

UVic had a high profile at this year’s event—Karima Ramji, Convenor of the 2011 World Partnership Walk, also serves as International Coordinator for the Co-operative Education Program and Career Services. The UVic team won the Top Universities and Colleges Team trophy for Victoria’s Walk. Vice-President Academic Dr. Reeta Tremblay accepted the trophy on behalf of UVic, along with Ibrahim Inayatali, Dr. Ali Dastmalchian, Norah McRae and other members of the UVic community.

“Members of the UVic community have consistently supported this event, with teams from various program areas. This year, students from the Gustavson School of Business Sustainability Club also helped manage the waste management program for this green event,” says Ramji. “The World Partnership Walk takes place on the last Sunday in May every year—if you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year.”

On behalf of a girl in Afghanistan who can access quality education, on behalf of a farmer in Mozambique whose crop yields have doubled, on behalf of pre-school children in Bangladesh who are getting a foundation for lifelong learning and on behalf of a community organizations in Zanzibar who are developing 5-year strategic plans, Aga Khan Foundation Canada and the volunteers of World Partnership Walk wish to thank the UVic community for its tremendous and consistent support.