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Masuma Khan

Team member since: May 1st, 2009 Running in support of: EWB - Vancouver Professional Chapter Member of: Deloitte - Vancouver Event: Vancouver - 5k Race Event Date: June 27th, 2010

This is the second year I'm 'running to end poverty'. This year, I'm running with more excitement, more hope and more passion, knowing that there are so many people who are also joining in to end poverty. Thank you so much for your support last year, I hope you can support me again this year.

I'm running to share a common experience with millions around the world.  Mostly I run to remember my time in Ghana where I had a chance to train with Dan, an athlete in Ghana.  I run to remember the memories of all the wonderful Ghanians I met that ran to get water, to meet friends, to help one another.

3 years ago, I met people in Ghana who ran in the face of poverty.  I met people who inspire me everyday.  From the little girls carrying buckets of water in 40 degree heat, who still had the bubbly excitment to rush up to say hello to me, to the market lady who ran to follow me through the market to return my forgotten wallet filled with cash, to the many many friends I made who gave me so much despite the little they had.  Engineers without Borders played a critical role in allowing me to make such deep personal connections incredible local people.  A role that few other organizations are willing to take.

I came back to Canada with new eyes and new perspectives.  My time overseas taught me that it is our thoughtful actions here in Canada that can make a difference. By investing our money strategically we can connect to people overseas to improve their lives.   From buying Fair trade, to donating to development agencies that focus on solutions rather than band aids, all of us in Canada can work to end poverty.

Engineers without Borders plays a critical role overseas, connecting with strong local organizations that work effectively in strengthening people working to climb out of poverty.  Here in Canada, they work to educate Canadians of the potential we have to make change.