About the Ismaili Walk for Women

You support women’s health research in the Ismaili Walk for Women. Click here to see why that’s so important for all the women and families you know across B.C.

For 2008 through to 2010, the Ismaili community of BC has partnered with BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation to raise funds for research into women’s health. All proceeds from this three year fundraising partnership will go directly to the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI) at BC Women’s.

Now in its 18th year, the Ismaili Walk fundraising event continues to be a huge success. In 2008, with the generous support of our sponsors, donors and fundraisers, we raised over $295,000. Our goal during our three year partnership is to raise a total of $1,000,000 to further the work of the WHRI.

But the event is not just about the Walk - it’s a full day of family fun! The main walk route is 7km and there’s also a special Kiddie & Stroller Route that is approximately 3.5 km, so everyone can take part. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, you can stay to enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch and an afternoon of great entertainment. Kiddies will love all the great activities at the Kids Zone! Click the link to “Event Activities” for more details.

Samira Alibhai, the President of the Ismaili Council for BC says, “We are delighted to be in the second year of a partnership with BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the Women’s Health Research Institute. The WHRI’s goal of advancing research to improve the lives of women and their families is very much aligned with the philosophy of the Ismaili Muslim community, which encourages the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship.” View President Samira Alibhai’s letter here.

History of the Ismaili Walk

The Ismaili Walk was founded in 1992 by the Ismaili Muslim Community of BC. It takes place in Vancouver near the end of the summer and benefits a local non-profit organization. The Walk raises funds to further the mandate of partner non-profit organizations that have included local hospitals, the Vancouver Public Library, Simon Fraser University, the Food Bank, Habitat for Humanities, the Crisis Center of Greater Vancouver and United Way. To date, the Walk has raised over $2.5M for local community organizations. From 2003-2007, the Ismaili Walk for Kids supported the United Way Success By 6 programs and services dedicated to giving children age 0 to 6 the foundation they need to get a good start in life. Since last year a new partnership has been formed that benefits the Women’s Health Research Institute at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre in its endeavor to advance knowledge and care for women, newborns, and their families across British Columbia and around the world.