Miles for Millions Walkathon
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The Miles for Millions walkathon was introduced to Canada in 1967. It was modeled after the Oxfam, UK, walkathon which was created to alleviate third world hunger and poverty. Like the Oxfam walkathon, the Miles for Millions was intentionally designed to cover an extraordinary distance of 26 miles - the length of a full marathon. During the 1960's and 1970's hundreds of thousands of Canadians participated in the annual walkathon to raise money to alleviate the poverty and hunger crises in South Asian and Africa. The walk metaphorically resembled a pilgrimage; a personal and collective challenge demanding both political and social conviction to end poverty around the world. The walkathon included participants of all ages, including school children. Walkers were required to devote an entire day to the cause as well as soliciting pledges before participating in the walk. Pledges were based on the distance the participants walked. Many schools endorsed the Miles for Millions fundraiser as a way to teach social consequences to children and youth.
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