On a cold, bright day in October, despite blustery winds and an oncoming blizzard, over a hundred people came together in the Cambridge Commons for a common goal: literacy. Walkers bundled up in scarves and hats gathered in groups, holding steaming cups of coffee and talking about the weather, the Walk, and the reason they were all there.
Barakat's Walk for Literacy is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. This year’s Walk was a great success, raising over 7,600 dollars to support Barakat’s programs in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
This year’s Walk for Literacy was a scenic 2.5 or 5-mile walk through Cambridge and along the Charles River. Food was provided by Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts and Bertucci’s, among others. Walkers were provided breakfast and lunch, as well as Barakat t-shirts. Before the Walk began, Barakat board member Peggy Simons introduced two speakers, who addressed the walkers. Pamela Civins, Executive Director of Boston Partners in Education, spoke about the need for families to become involved in their children’s education, both here in the United States and abroad. Journalist Christina Asquith, author of the recent book "Sisters in War: A Story of Love, Family and Survival in the New Iraq," spoke about her experiences meeting women and children in desperate need of stability in the Middle East.
After the introductory remarks, the walkers set off. Their orange t-shirts created a bobbing streak of color under the fall leaves of Cambridge. As they walked, participants chatted and laughed, meeting new people and connecting with old friends. Some walkers had a personal connection to Barakat; several board members were present throughout the day. Others decided to join in because they had heard about it from a student group or because they believed in the cause. Emma Siewert, Barakat’s Graphic Design Intern, said, “It’s inspiring to watch so many people come together for this cause. I think people had fun and raised money for an important issue all at the same time.”
As walkers returned to the park, they were welcomed with cheers. The walkers settled down to lunch before heading to the henna and face painting stations provided by Barakat. As the event came to a close, a dance battle broke out, reflecting the fun atmosphere of the day. One of the walkers joined in, introducing a new dance move: the “Keeping Warm While Walking.”
Purnima Bangera, Barakat’s Marketing Director, was happy with how the Walk turned out. She said, “After months of planning, it was such a pleasure to see so many
smiling faces have a great time talking to family and friends on that cold fall morning. It was wonderful to see such a turnout, despite the Nor'easter headed our way.”
Thanks to all the volunteers and walkers who made this event possible. We hope that next year’s Walk will be even better.