Aga Khan Foundation Canada and its National Network of Volunteers Confident in the Continued Generosity of Canadians

OTTAWA, March 6 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and its national team of volunteers launched the 2009 World Partnership Walk campaign to raise funds to address the root causes of poverty in some of the world’s most isolated and impoverished regions. The campaign culminates in the annual World Partnership Walk – the largest event of its kind in Canada – held in nine cities over three weekends beginning on Sunday, May 31st. In light of the tough economic situation, the Foundation is urging its supporters to invite Canadians from all walks of life to join in a vital partnership with communities in the developing world.

“Canadians have a tradition of caring about the world beyond our borders that has found expression in the World Partnership Walk,” said Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of AKFC. “For a quarter century, we have counted on the support of our volunteers and the generosity of Canadians to help AKFC bridge the gaps that deny opportunities to the poor,” he said.

This year marks the 25th edition of the popular event which has generated an impressive $45.5 million and attracted tens of thousands of Canadians in support of the cause. The Walk’s success is a tangible sign of the commitment of individual Canadians to the cause of global poverty alleviation. All of the funds raised by participants (100%) go directly to international development programs, including health, education, rural development, as well as support for community-based organizations in Asia and Africa. Not a cent is spent on administration. Support for the Walk also helps AKFC leverage additional contributions from major donors like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

An initiative of Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), a registered Canadian charity, the Walk is organized every year by hundreds of dedicated volunteers. The 2009 Walk will take place in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, London, Kitchener and Montreal on May 31st, followed by Ottawa on June 7th and Calgary on June 14th.

Participants can register online, quickly and easily, at:
www.WorldPartnershipWalk.com to become Walk Ambassadors or to form a team.

World Partnership Walk history: Twenty-five years ago a group of Ismaili women from Vancouver came together to walk and support the poorest of the poor. It was a gesture of gratitude for what they had gained in coming to Canada from troubled parts of East Africa. Since then, the World Partnership Walk, fueled by the energy and dedication of committed volunteers, has engaged tens of thousands of Canadians in a vital partnership with Aga Khan Foundation Canada – transforming millions of lives in some of the poorest parts of Asia and Africa.

For further information: Jennifer Morrow, 1-800-267-532 (ext. 107),
Jennifer@akfc.ca, www.WorldPartnershipWalk.com | Source

RESIDENTS aged over 55 are being urged to take up fitness activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for older people.

The Say Go! scheme covers a range of activities at different venues across the borough, including sports, dance and yoga lessons.

It is organised by Age Concern Barnet, with funding from Barnet Council and Sport England.

The classes are run in partnership with a number of faith and community groups, including the Barnet African Caribbean Association, Barnet Asian Old People’s Association and the Anand Day Centre, but anyone aged over 55 is welcome to attend.

A new ten-week course of tai chi was launched on Tuesday, aimed specifically at members of the borough’s Ismaili Muslim community, to be held at the North London Jamatkhana, in East End Road, Finchley.

The classes will take place during the day and also offer a chance for members to socialise after the session.

Councillor Lynne Hillan, cabinet member for community services, said: “The Say Go! scheme provides a very important service for older people living in Barnet and helps to work towards the council’s corporate priority of a strong and healthy borough.

“I hope that many of our residents aged over 55 take the opportunity to take part in one or more of the Say Go! classes as they continue to be rolled out and enhanced throughout the coming year.”

For more information visit the council website at barnet.gov.uk/activities-for-older-people or call the council on 020 8359 2000.

Alternatively, call Lisa Dubow at Age Concern Barnet on 020 8346 0542 or by emailing lisa-finchley.acb@btconnect.com. Source: http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/4256272.Over_55s_urged_to_join_fitness_scheme/

Inspire | Diversity | Share | Pluralism

• A unique & historic opportunity to visually unite Ismailis around the world.
• Images will be chosen to accompany the winning pictures to create a memorable Coffee Table Book that will celebrate the diversity of the Ismaili community.
• $1,500 in Camera Prizes.
• Net proceeds from sale of books will be donated to Aga Khan Foundation Canada to support Aga Khan Development Network projects.
• The Competition is open to all persons 18 years of age or older who are in the Ismaili community (this includes non-Ismaili spouses, partners and children). If you’re under 18 and would like to submit an Image, a parent or guardian can do so on your behalf.
• You may submit a maximum of ten Images. You can upload your Images online or send your entry by post.

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