Thousands of Vancouverites walk and roll at weekend fundraising events

VANCOUVER — Thousands of Vancouverites soaked up the sun as they walked and rode to raise funds for diabetes, prostate cancer, rape relief and international communities in need.

Premier Gordon Campbell lauded the “energy, commitment and community involvement” of the Ismaili community as he kicked off the 25th annual World Partnership Walk in Stanley Park.

This year’s walk drew an estimated 10,000 people. Shaheel Hiriji, executive director of the Aga Khan Foundation, a non-denominational group, said this year’s walk would raise $2 million to help fight global poverty.

The five-kilometre walk began as an initiative among the Ismaili community, and has expanded to include participants of all ages, faiths, traditions and nationalities, said Hiriji.

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