Walking Running Hiking Cycling People Out of Poverty
This August, combine your passion for walking, hiking, biking, running, cycling, or any activity with making a difference!
How to participate
Welcome to a transformative journey where every step you take makes a difference. We invite individuals and teams alike to lace up their shoes, hit the pavement, and stride towards a world without poverty. Each kilometer covered and every dollar raised will create opportunities to empower people on their journey out of poverty toward sustainable livelihoods.
Are you ready to get started?
1. Decide on the details
Decide on the details for your fundraiser including your activity, distance, and whether you will participate individually or with a team.
2. Create a fundraiser
Click the Start a Fundraiser button create a personal fundraiser or one for a your team. Select a name, upload a picture, set a goal and a custom message.
3. Start spreading the word
Once you set up and verify your fundraiser you will receive a custom link to share with your team and supporters and use to track your progress.
Transform your hobby into lasting, sustainable change.
Ideas for individuals
- Daily walking challenge
- Solo climbing, walking, or biking adventure
- Fitness challenge
- Canoe or kayak expedition
- Swimming challenge
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
A legacy of big strides towards lasting change.
Walking People Out of Poverty started in 2014 when Peter Thorpe decided to combine his hobby of hiking some of the world's greatest walks with making a difference.
That year, Peter started walking the 1,014KM South West Coast Path in England which he did over a two year period. In 2018 Peter set his sites higher by looking to tackle the infamous Pacific Coast Trail, a 4,265 KM trek from Mexico to Canada.
Peter's contagious enthusiasm for change continues to catch on. Last year, he was joined by OIC Board Chair John Mach and CEO Dan Murray. Together, they walked 400+ km of the Pacific Crest Trail.
This year, Peter is walking the final stretch of the trail and you can join him from wherever you are. Just like Peter, you can transform your hobby into a cause that results in lasting, sustainable change!
Follow Peter's journey here!
Meet clients taking bold steps
on their journey out of poverty.
Cleyda, Store Owner, Colombia
Leila, Tortilla Maker, Honduras
Woodia, Grocery Store Owner, Haiti
We've covered a lot of ground so far...
What step will you take?
Got questions? Ask us anything!
In 2024, Walking (Running, Biking, Hiking, Climbing…) takes place throughout the month of August. You have the flexibility to pick a date or timeframe that works for you or your group!
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.