GK WALK ... a celebration in the rain!
by Robert Salvador

It was another successful GK Walk (Gawad Kalinga which means to give care). This past September 6, 2008, the annual GK Walk was held at Vincent Massey Park. Despite the rain, Filipinos and Canadians walked for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines. The rain did not dampen the spirits of the volunteers and the walkers. On the contrary, the rain doubled their enthusiasm as illustrated by the occasional sprint and long jump over a water puddle. However, as one of the walkers said, "One cannot stop the rain but one can stop the pain of the poor.

GK is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty not just in the Philippines but in the developing countries. GK?s vision for the Philippines is a slum-free, squatter-free nation through a simple strategy of providing land for the landless, homes for the homeless, food for the hungry and as a result providing dignity and peace for every Filipino.

The rain was more of a blessing than a hassle. Because of it, the walkers and the volunteers further realized the true value of the GK Walk. Like the rain, the walkathon freshened up the dry bare bone existence of the people who will receive the new homes. It will bring real beginnings, real hopes, and real dreams for some of Filipinos? poor kapatid (brethren). The GK Walk collected over $12,000, which is enough to build at least 5 homes for the poor. A basic house cost $2,300.

It is amazing how generous the people of Ottawa are. In 4 years, Ottawa has built not only one village but two villages, the Formoso Village and the Ottawa Tag-ibo Village (southern part of the Philippines). Each village has at least 30 to 40 homes with a school, a community centre, and an area to grow food. As a matter of fact, the Ottawa Tag-ibo village has been completed. It has 41 homes and now prospering thanks to the support of Ottawans. Soon a new Ottawa village will be built. With the continued support of Ottawans, this new village will bring happiness to some of the less fortunate in the Philippines.

Finally, if you ever wonder what it is like to walk and sing in the rain then I suggest that you join the GK Walk next year. Because a warm heart always beats a cold rain.

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