A Small Taste Of The Walk For Darfur

" What began as a grassroots movement in MacEwan has grown into a city-wide project. We walk from Calgary to Edmonton on April 22nd. We walk to raise awareness about the atrocities occurring in Darfur and in hopes of cultivating some political action. April 29th we will be joining hundreds of demonstrations around the world calling on international intervention to halt the genocide in Darfur. On April 29th, our walkers will have returned home from a grueling trek and we will greet them in Churchill square. African and local bands, speakers and citizens of Edmonton will gather to protest the neglect shown to the citizens of the Darfur by the International community. This group will provide constant updates on what is occurring with the walk and the region of Darfur itself."

And so goes the description for the Walk For Darfur initiative that I have been blessed to be a part of for the last four months. I volunteered to be the sponsorship coordinator for this effort, and as happy as I am to be a part of it, I am extremely disappointed in the efforts I've produced. Especially after what I've seen and taken part in today.

This afternoon, some of the remaining office members who aren't fully partaking in the eight-day walk from Calgary to Edmonton, drove down to meet up with the walkers in Red Deer. Personally, I anticipated harrowing tales from the road from battle-weary troops struggling to stay focused and removed from their nomadic M.A.S.H. unit. I received that and so much more. I participated in the walk myself, getting a small taste of what the walkers have endured even moreso in the last few days, and what they'll try to overcome in the days ahead. As I walked and talked, and I looked upon the faces, and the worn bodies, it hit me. I might have my face on the website, but have I really helped this team out? Have I done anything for them? I saw their tears. I saw their limps, sores, and gritted teeth bearing the brunt of yet another step. I walked with them for 13 or so kilometres, but I feel like a fraud. I'm sore and tired, but I'm in state that is nowhere near comparable to theirs. I can't believe how disappointed I am in myself.

But I'm so proud of the walkers and the volunteers. I couldn't be more proud to see them accomplishing the goal that they set out to do months ago, when this idea seemed almost impossible. These students, this team, has done so much in preparation, and are doing so much for a cause that they feel so strongly for, it makes me feel privileged to just know them. My utmost respect and admiration to everyone involved in the initiative. I've heard many students talk big about doing something, but many fail to deliver. This team delivered. And I salute them.

Godspeed, stay safe and healthy. We'll see you on Sunday for the big walk to Churchill Square.