The 1^st Regional Charity Walk for Peace for the West Midlands Region was held on Saturday 26th October 2019 at West Park Wolverhampton. With the weather being heavy rain and cold, the strong commitment and dedication of the volunteers of Charity Walk for Peace, an Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association UK initiative, and the wonderful guests.

Mr Rafi Ahmad, Vice Chair of Charity Walk for Peace, and the Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association UK, along with the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Claire Darke, joined over 210 walkers to take part in the Walk. Over 13 charity and community groups were represented at the Walk including representatives of the Mayoral Charities. The walk started with the recitation of Holy Quran with translation emphasising on the need for charity for the poor, less fortunate and orphans.

The following guests spoke briefly on the work of CWFP thanking the organisation for creating the opportunities for communities to come together:

1. Honourable Eleanor Smith MP Wolverhampton South West
2. Hon Pat McFadden MP Wolverhampton South East
3. Sophia Snell Community Fundraising Manager – NE and NW Midlands RBL
4. T/Superintendent Tom Chisholm West Midlands Police
5. Cllr Jasbinder Dehar Chairperson Wolverhampton interfaith

The Regional President for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association UK, Mr Wasim Shah, emphasised on the need of such events saying that there was a great need to include all communities in the need for Peace and to ensure our children are involved every step of the way.

The walk event was covered by the BBC, Wolverhampton FM Radio, Express and Star newspapers and freelance photographers. Every walker completing the walk was awarded a medal and they enjoyed the delicious food.

Testimonials:

Hon Pat McFadden

The spirit that brought us here is very very honourable ………. and very glad to be here and look forward to take part in walk…”

Sophia Snell

“We at the Royal British Legion are eternally grateful to AMEA/CWFP for their support for the Poppy Appeal and appreciate the work they do for community engagement. It is very important that we come out and show our unity”

Tom Chisholm

“There are many challenges we face in society today the gathering like this help us to bring communities together and building a safer society”

Cllr Jasbinder Dehar

“May you find ever greater support for the exceptional and significant work you do to make the world a better place for all”

Mr Rafi Ahmad, chair of todays Peace Walk, explained the hard work required for these events and that it was truly inspiring to see so many guests and members of the community to engage in todays walk, showing complete unity in their need for a peaceful society.

Mr Rafi Ahmad concluded formal session with a silent prayer.