Families invited to join Hope Walks

Enterprise Staff
The Davis Enterprise, Thursday October 16, 2008 (page A4).

Local residents can make a difference in the lives of AIDS orphans and other children in southern India by participating in Hope Walks in Davis on Sunday.

"Last year's event raised about $9,400 to provide for the basic needs of orphans and vulnerable children in India," said organizer Koen Van Rompay, an AIDS researcher at UC Davis and founder of Sahaya International.

"This money makes a huge difference in the lives of young children - it provides food, clothing, shelter, school fees, uniforms, and basic health care including HIV testing and treatment," he said.

Hope Walks will run from 2 to 3:30 pm at Arroyo Park in West Davis. Organized by Sahaya International, St. James Catholic Church and the Cal Aggie Christian Association, the event features a 1-mile walk followed by children's games and other activities that also include adults.

All proceeds raised will be sent to the village in southern India, Andimadam, where Van Rompay has worked over the past decade.

Registration costs $25 for adults, $15 for children 14 and under, or $55 for a family of three or four. Race-day registration, which begins at 1 p.m. costs $5 more.

For more information, to register or to be a sponsor, visit www.hopewalks.org/davis or e-mail van Rompay at davis@hopewalks.org.