Top Canadian charity walks for 2010

1. World Partnership Walk
Attracting tens of thousands of walkers, this volunteer-led event raises awareness and money to fight global poverty. Funds help rural communities in Asia and Africa ensure clean water and sanitation, educate girls and women, and more.

Where: Nine Canadian cities, including Victoria, Edmonton and Kitchener, Ont.
When: Three Sundays in May and June.
Walk: Varies; average 4 to 8.5K

2. Share the Power of a Wish Walk/Run
This family-oriented run/walk helps Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario grant the wishes of kids with life-threatening medical conditions.

Where: Ottawa
When: Saturday, May 8
Walk: 1K, 5K or 10K

3. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-thon
Canada has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the world. Walk to raise money for curing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Where: About 80 locations, nationwide
When: June 2010
Walk: Varies, average 5K

4. Multiple Sclerosis Walk
A perfect event for all ages and physical abilities. Each location includes routes with varying lengths and at least one that is wheelchair accessible.

Where: 160 sites across Canada
When: Sunday, April 18 for most sites (however a few have different dates, so please check the website)
Walk: 1k, 2.5k, 5k and 10k

5. The Shoppers Drug Mart’s Weekend to End Women’s Cancers
The Weekend to End Breast Cancer was renamed for 2010 to include other women’s cancers, raising funds for ending breast and gynecologic cancers. Walk its 2-day walk or a new 1-day version.

Where: Six cities, from B.C. to Quebec
When: June to September
Walk: 30K or 60K

6. Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life
This walk’s been increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS and raising funds for local services for more than 20 years.

Where: Across Canada
When: September 11 to 19
Walk: Varies; average 2K

7. Terry Fox Run
Since 1981, this family-oriented, non-competitive run - or walk - celebrates a Canadian hero and raises funds toward curing cancer.

Where: Across Canada, locations online
When: Sunday, September 19
Walk: Varies; most offer a 10K route plus shorter distances.

8. Walk to Fight Arthritis
Join thousands of walkers in a nearby community or participate in their virtual walk by raising pledges and starting your own walk.

Where: 17 communities across Canada
When: Sunday, May 30 (except for Ottawa, which happens Sunday, May 16)
Walk: 1k and 5k

9. CIBC Run for the Cure
The country’s largest single day, volunteer-led fundraiser focused on collecting funds for breast cancer research, education and awareness.

Where: Across Canada
When: Sunday, October 3
Walk: 1K or 5K.

10. Heart and Stroke Foundation
Multiple fitness events and walks, with a focus on eliminating heart disease and stroke through research, healthy living and advocacy.

Where: Across Canada (check online for local chapters)
When: Ongoing
Walk: Varies