‘Now, more than ever, is a time to come together and walk for peace,’ says Aussie Peace Walk Event Director Chris Edwards.
‘As individuals, we are powerless to prevent wars on the other side of the world, but what we can do is build a strong, collaborative and peaceful community at home.’
This event promotes peace and understanding between people of all backgrounds and belief systems in our community. ‘You could call it a multicultural walk for peace!’
We encourage entrants to walk representing their cultural heritage, dressing up or carrying small flags to show what country they are representing. Entrants who complete two walks will get a commemorative finisher’s medal.
Seven different peace walks will take place in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday 26-27 March, ranging in distance from 7 km to 42 km, to cater to people of all ages and abilities.
Held for the first time last year, nearly 500 people took part, representing 45 countries. The oldest to finish on both days was 91, and the youngest was only seven years old. This year, the Rotary organising team hopes to see greater numbers of entries in an appeal for peace.
‘If I wasn’t working on the day as a volunteer, I’d walk wearing blue and yellow to show my support for the people of Ukraine,’ said Mr Edwards.
The idea is to have fun, meet new friends and make your walk a personal challenge.
‘If you can jog the 14 km City2Surf, you’ll easily walk the 21km around Lake Burley Griffin on Saturday and also do the 24km walk on Sunday,’ says Chris, who has finished the City2Surf 49 times.
‘Please join the walk for peace. Come and spend time with people from different cultural backgrounds, and seize the chance to get to know them as you walk along. Peace is only achievable through understanding.’
The Aussie Peace Walk is an annual weekend of peace walks held by ACT region Rotary Clubs in aid of community health projects. This year, the Aussie Peace Walk is raising money to help reduce child mortality in the Pacific Islands through the Rotary Give Every Child a Future project, a joint initiative with UNICEF. There will also be a fundraising Peace Dinner on Saturday night.
