GK walk for housing for the poor
GK walk for housing for the poor
Thousands of feet in various shapes and sizes went to work on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Earl Bales Park to raise awareness and money for Gawad Kalinga.
The money will be used to build houses for the poor in the Philippines. Each GK house costs $1,500 and a village of minimum 30 houses costs $45,000.
Last year, a total of $150,000 was raised in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton where simultaneous walkathons were held. Pledges are still being processed but organizers believe that this year’s walk will surpass that amount.
“It is a great fundraiser because everyone has something to contribute,” says Ricky Cuenca, president of Ancop Canada, the marketing arm of GK in the country. “Plus families can spend a meaningful day together and have fun with their friends,” added Cuenca who is also the national coordinator for Couples for Christ, the backbone of the Gawad Kalinga movement.
Despite the light shower in the morning and the gray skies hanging over their heads the whole day, many participants came to fulfill their pledges. They were prepared for the worst weather with umbrellas and raincoats.
Yoyoy Villame who was in Toronto for a concert that evening led the warm up with his signature song “Mag-exercise tayo tuwing umaga…” He motivated the crowd to do the required three laps. Some exceeded that and did four. The finishers got a coloured dot for each lap that they proudly displayed on their shirts, faces, arms, wherever.
After the walk, people settled down to break bread together. In the afternoon there was a concert and a parade as the Couples for Christ celebrated their 12 successful years in Canada. They have established the seven pillars and are moving GK forward in the country.
If you missed the GK Walk this year, get ready for next year’s. In the meantime, you can help raise funds for GK in other ways. To find out how, contact ANCOP at 905-564-8539 or visit www.ancop.ca.
(PRESS RELEASE)
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