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Why Global Poverty?
THE NEED IS URGENT.
Global poverty isn’t just a distant issue—it’s a crisis with far-reaching consequences. Widespread poverty contributes to instability, with ripple effects that touch everything from migration to economic security. For millions, the circumstances of their birth—factors beyond their control—determine whether they have access to opportunity. Women, in particular, face immense barriers, often left at the margins of society with little chance to break free from the cycle of poverty.
But change is possible and requires collective action.
When given opportunity — through microfinance, training, and support—individuals can transform their futures. Walking People Out of Poverty is your chance to step up for our global neighbours, ensuring that no one is left behind and every life has the opportunity to thrive.
Take
Action
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED THROUGH WALKING PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY
Join a Group Walk in Fraser Valley
Step up for change! On September 27th at 9:00am, join a community of passionate supporters walking 5KM at Aldergrove Regional Park (Fraser Valley, BC). Every stride raises awareness and funds to empower families with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty. Be part of something bigger—sign up now and walk for impact!
Start Your Own Fundraiser
Turn your passion into purpose! Whether it’s walking, running, cycling, or any activity you love, you can transform it into a powerful fundraiser to help walk people out of poverty. Set your goal, choose your distance, and decide if you’ll go solo or rally a team. Every step you take fuels opportunity. Click below to launch your fundraiser today!
Support Dan & Peter's Walk
Not able to walk? You can still make a difference. CEO Dan Murray and long-time supporter Peter Thorpe are taking on another incredible 350KM hike in support of Walking People Out of Poverty. Your donation fuels their journey and provides life-changing support to those who need them most. Click below to stand with them and change lives today!
Why NOw?
- The world is shifting, and the most vulnerable are at risk of being left behind. As economic uncertainties, conflicts, and shifting global priorities reshape the geopolitical landscape, marginalized communities face even greater barriers to opportunity. Now more than ever, we must stand in the gap—ensuring that those striving to build better futures are not forgotten.
- Approximately 700 million people—8.5% of the global population—live on less than $2.15 per day, the threshold for extreme poverty.
- According to the UN, around 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030.
- Globally, one in every ten women globally lives in extreme poverty
- A staggering two billion women and girls worldwide lack access to any form of social protection, increasing their vulnerability to poverty.
- According to the UN, 1.2 billion people across 111 low-income countries live in multi-dimensional poverty because they experience severe deprivation of health, education and life quality. They typically lack electricity, clean water, sanitation or education.
Will you step up to end poverty?
Why Opportunity?
Because poverty isn’t just a lack of resources—it’s a lack of opportunity.
At Opportunity International Canada, we believe that the most effective way to break the cycle of poverty is by equipping people with the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods. Rather than offering short-term relief, we invest in long-term solutions—empowering entrepreneurs with access to microfinance, training, and support.
For over 50 years, we’ve seen the power of opportunity in action. A small loan helps a farmer plant crops that feed her family and her community. A savings account gives a mother the security to send her children to school. Training equips a business owner to expand, creating jobs for others. These aren’t just transactions—they are transformations.
When you support Opportunity International, you’re not giving a handout; you’re investing in people who are ready to work hard, innovate, and create lasting change. Together, we can unlock potential and build a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Join us—because when people have the opportunity to succeed, everything changes.
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Transform your hobby into lasting, sustainable change.
Ideas for individuals
- Hiking challenge
- Solo climbing, walking, or biking adventure
- Enter a marathon or bike-a-thon
- Fitness challenge
- Canoe or kayak expedition
Ideas for groups
- Organize a relay race
- Group hiking day
- Walk or bike-a-thon
- Fitness boot camp
- Team sports tournament
- Enter a team in an existing community event
Individual Fundraisers
Fraser Valley Walk
Corporate Partner
Got questions? Ask us anything!
You can participate in Walking People Out of Poverty any time! You have the flexibility to pick a date or timeframe that works for you or your group!
Or, join a group walking 5 KMs in Toronto or Calgary on Saturday October 18th at 9:00 AM!
No, Walking People Out of Poverty is open to people of all abilities and interests. If walking isn’t for you, you can select another physical activity.
We suggest a minimum distance of 5 KMs that you can do at your own pace.
Walking People Out of Poverty is organized by Opportunity International Canada. We are a registered Canadian non-profit with a 25-year history of providing microfinance, training, and support to alleviate poverty, for good. We are part of the Opportunity International Global Network.
Team/group organizers play a vital role in the success of Walking People Out of Poverty. For tips and how-tos, click here.
The funds raised through Walking People Out of Poverty will go towards providing microloans, training, and support to people trapped in poverty.
For safety and security purposes, the best way for your supporters to donate to your fundraiser is online.
Click here to set up a personal fundraiser and receive a link that you can share with your supporters.
Opportunity International Canada is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency #87751 6385 RR0001.
When you donate $20 or more to Opportunity International Canada, you will receive a tax receipt.
Tax receipts will be issued in the following tax season.
After you’ve registered, be sure to check your inbox for an email with important links and details.
The email will include your personal fundraising link to share with your network as well as a link to your fundraising profile. On your profile, you will be able to create/change your name for your fundraiser, upload a picture, set a goal and add a personal message.
Share your fundraising link with your network to start raising funds. You can speak with people one-on-one, send personal emails, or post about your fundraiser on social media.
We’ve put together graphics and an email template to help you. Download the toolkit here.