L-R: A group of participants at Agakhan Partnership Walk in Chicago. Actual Walk at Montrose Harbor (R)
CHICAGO: Over 2,800 people took part in Partnership Walk at Montrose Harbor in Chicago to demonstrate their support for ending global poverty. It helped raise $400,000 from this single city for the noble cause.
Partnership Walk, an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds to alleviate global poverty and promote partnership between America and the developing world, is held annually and this is the 16th such walk in the past as many years. Nationwide, over 34,000 are expected to participate in the 2010 Walk in nine cities, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Orlando and San Francisco. The 2010 theme for Partnership Walk is “Our Environment: One People, One Planet,”
Partnership had teams from corporations, universities, schools and community organizations who demonstrated their solidarity to take a step at ending global poverty. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn addressing the enthusiastic crowd said, “The great movements of our people have not been by those on the top with power but by those everyday people banding together, for a cause they believe in. And the cause of relieving global poverty is a cause of a lifetime.”
The full 100% of funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to the projects supported by the Foundation. Given the unprecedented floods crisis in the past month, 50% of the funds raised at 2010 Partnership Walk will go to support the Aga Khan Development Network’s response to the floods in Pakistan and surrounding areas, including Focus Humanitarian Assistance. Remaining funds raised go directly to poverty alleviation projects supported by Aga Khan Foundation in Africa and Asia.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky said it was inspirational to see the active network of volunteers and that it was praiseworthy to ensure a peaceful, prosperous future for all humankind and not just our own citizens here in the Unites States.
Alongside a grand electrifying performance of the Jesse White Tumbling Team and Drummers enlivened the atmosphere. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said, “It’s a great day for a walk and a great day to share your love and appreciation for your fellow men and women. Distinguished guests included Illinois State Representative Elaine Nekritz and many government officials and community leaders.
Sadrudin Noorani
