Written by Sana Ansari
(Events & Volunteer Development Intern)

On the morning of June 19th 2010, defying weather predictions of thunder storms and rain, walkers successfully trekked a 5k track for IDRF’s Walkathon and BBQ held at High Park. With each step they garnered hope for innocent internally displaced children of Somalia.

Despite inclement weather predictions many enthusiastic walkers turned out early that morning for a brisk trot down the pleasant trail that weaves through the park’s picturesque landscape.

Amongst the notable attendees was federal MP Rob Oliphant from Don Valley West who also joined the volunteers at the BBQ pit to lend a helping hand with the chicken! Later, Mr Oliphant commended IDRF’s great efforts towards reaching out to the underprivileged communities around the world. He also called upon all Canadians to support the IDRF by opening their hearts and giving generously towards the many humanitarian projects spearheaded by IDRF.

Mr Omar al Ghabra the Liberal candidate for Mississauga-Erindale and former Member of Parliament for the same riding also attended the BBQ and extended support for IDRF’s current project in Somalia.

While participants soaked the summer sunshine during their walk some came particularly to enjoy the delicious BBQ chicken and beef burgers served sizzling hot from the grills where dedicated volunteers were busy managing the pits. The food items were courtesy of the generous support from Iqbal Food, Crescent Foods, Madina Halal Foods and not to forget the freshly delivered pizza, courtesy Pizza Pizza.

In keeping with World Cup fever, children participated in rounds of soccer games, or tried their creative skills at the arts and crafts led by IDRF volunteers. The beautiful family day at High Park, thousands of miles away from the war torn reality of Somalia resonated with IDRF’s slogan: ‘people helping people’, celebrating the contribution and generosity of those who came with open hearts to walk for the cause, and the innocent and strong Somalian people who fight a daily battle for survival. Volunteers ranging from city professionals to university and school goers and some even younger, contributed their time and skills maintaining a family-fun atmosphere. Four year old Karim played his part distributing sweets to other children in the park.

‘Food or education?’ or ‘Work or education?’ These are the harsh questions posed to children such as little Mohammad Ibrahim who has to work and walk a long distance before he can get any food. ‘When I come home from school, there is no food at home,’ he tells an aid worker. 85% of the families in the main cities of Somalia cannot afford school fees.

The proceeds from IDRF’s Annual Walkathon and BBQ will go towards creating education opportunities for children such as Ibrahim. It is education that will provide a gateway to brightening the future of the youth of Somalia, saving them from the corrosive effects of poverty. At IDRF we believe that every step we take together will complete the journey to a world that is a little safer, healthier and better educated.

For more information about IDRF’s project in Somalia, please click here

To view images from the event, please click the image below.