Press Release

HISTORIC WALK FOR CHILD SOLDIERS COMES TO DALLAS
Actress Recognized for Humanitarian Work to Deliver Keynote Address

DALLAS – For the first time ever, an annual walk that rallies thousands of people around the world will come to Dallas on Saturday, October 20.

Named after a village in Uganda, GuluWalk is an international campaign to raise awareness about the so-called “night commuters” of Gulu and northern Uganda: orphans and homeless children who walk by night and sleep by day to escape abduction and conscription by the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel movement known for its savagery. The campaign also raises critically needed funds for the basic shelter, medical supplies and education these children require.

GuluWalk started when two Canadian men decided they would live like the homeless children of Uganda, walking over six miles from their homes to their workplaces everyday for one month. Since then it has literally become a worldwide movement to inspire action on behalf of the night commuters and child soldiers everywhere. Last year GuluWalk took place in 82 cities in 15 different countries, including Beijing, China; Melbourne, Australia; and Washington, D.C.

To commemorate GuluWalk’s first appearance in Dallas, Ethiopian humanitarian Yeharar Gashaw will deliver the keynote address on relief to child soldiers. An accomplished actress, model and the founder of numerous organizations, Gashaw helped secure over $1 million in Red Cross support for Ethiopian child soldiers in 1999. In the past she received special recognition from President George Bush, two Dallas mayors and several city councilors.

The internationally acclaimed African Percussion Ensemble, based at the University of North Texas, will also perform for attendees and viewers.

GuluWalk will take place at Bachman Lake Park. Registration begins at noon for walkers, followed by opening remarks from the Dallas coordinator and a special keynote speaker. The walk starts promptly at 1:00 p.m. CST.

WHAT: GuluWalk, an international campaign of Athletes for Africa
WHEN: Saturday, October 20 at noon
WHERE: Bachman Lake Park – 3500 Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75201

For interviews or more information, please contact Ryan Schuette by sending an email to [email protected] or calling (281) 910-8481. You can visit the Web site at www.GuluWalk.com.