Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GK Walk?
The GK Walk is an annual fundraising event of ANCOP International (Canada), Inc. to raise
funds to help build homes for the poorest of the poor. Held in various Canadian and US locations, the GK Walk
encourages participants to raise funds and awareness of the Gawad Kalinga program, that helps lift the
poor in third world countries by providing shelter, livelihood, education and hope for those living in extreme poverty.
What is ANCOP and Gawad Kalinga?
ANCOP International (Canada), Inc. (or AICI) is a Christian registered
non-profit charitable Canadian organization. ANCOP is an acronym for ‘ANswering
the Cry Of the Poor. Our work started in the Philippines in the year 2000,
through the GK program. To date, GK has built more than 1,700 villages. Since
then, GK villages have been built in other countries as well such as Indonesia,
Cambodia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and very soon in parts of Africa. Gawad
Kalinga translated in English means “giving care.” Gawad Kalinga's approach is
comprehensive, integrated and sustainable. It has been cited by no less than the
United Nations officials as a model for poverty alleviation.
How does it work?
GK Walk participants only have to register (see below procedures to register
for the walk). Upon registration, participants can start soliciting sponsorship
and collecting pledges in support of their participation using the GK Walk
(paper) pledge forms or through your own personalized on-line pledge page.
How much is the registration fee?
The registration fee is $20 payable upon registration. Early bird registration is $20 if you
register by July 31, 2009. The Registration fee is used to cover the cost of hosting the event which include
a participants walk kit with t-shirt and registration package. The fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and is not eligible for a tax receipt.
Who can take part in the GK Walk?
The walk is open to anyone of any ability. As long as you’re up for the
challenge and willing to raise your target sponsorship, then this is for you.
Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible
adult.
Where does the money go to?
One very special thing about GK Walk is that the money you raise will support
a particular GK village or project that provides shelter to the poorest of the
poor. If you belong to a particular group or association, you can pool together
all the money collected and start sponsoring and help build a new GK village
that can be named after your association.
How much do I need to raise?
That’s up to you. That’s the great thing! Every penny you fundraise goes to
your credit. You can set up specific targets as follows:
$ 2,300.00 Sponsor 1 house
$ 23,000.00 Start a village (start with 10
houses towards minimum of 30)
Speak to any ANCOP representative or go to www.ancop.ca and ask about
recommended targets if you are unsure about how much you should raise. We
encourage you to set yourself a personal target.
Do you issue tax receipts?
Yes, income tax receipts will be issued for any donation of $20 or more (Canadian
residents only), excluding registration fee. A provisional receipt will be
issued for any amount received. Tax receipts will be mailed 90 days after the
event and once payment is confirmed. If requested, individual tax receipts will be
issued to the names indicated in your pledge form. Please ensure that the
name and address information is clearly printed and complete to avoid delays in
the issuance of tax receipts.
Can I walk as part of a group or organization?
Yes, walking as a group or with your organization is encouraged. This will
help you jump start your target. The entire group can also set targets to raise
money and sponsor an entire village. The village can be named after your group
or association name. Speak to any ANCOP representative or go to www.ancop.ca for more details in sponsoring a
village. You can carry your own (association) banner during the walk to help
identify and recognize your group.
How do I register for the walk?
On-line:
Go to our website www.gkwalk.ca . You can pay your registration
fee with your credit card and start soliciting online via e-mail.
By Mail:
You can also download and print the
registration form. Submit your completed registration form
and enclose your cheque payment (no cash) to:
GK Walk
ANCOP
International (Canada), Inc.
7025 Tomken Rd, Unit 271
Mississauga ON.
L5S 1R6
Please allow 2-3 weeks to receive your registration
acknowledgement and GK Walk Fundraising Package.
In Person:
Bring your registration form together
with your payment to the following locations:
|
Toronto
ANCOP International (Canada), Inc.
7025 Tomken
Rd, Unit 271
Mississauga ON L5S 1R6
Tel. No. (905) 564-8539
Couples for Christ (CFC) Office
156 Shorting Road
Scarborough
ON M1S 3S6
Tel. No. (416) 321-1937
Edmonton
Knights of Columbus Bldg.
11030 – 127 St
Albert Trail,
Edmonton, AB T5M 3K7
Tel: (780) 447-0900
Ottawa
1093 Taffy Lane Ottawa,
ON, K1C 1Y4
Tel:
(613) 834-5472
Fort McMurray
245 Card Court
Ft McMurray,
AB T9K 2J1
Tel:
(780) 791-2856
Nelson Contreras - GK Walk Coordinator
|
Vancouver & Victoria
ANCOP / CFC Office:
Unit 250-2981 Simpson
Road,
Richmond, BC V6Y 2R2
Tel : (604) 270-1988
Winnipeg
1866 Notre Dame Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0X8
Tel : (204) 775-7503
Calgary
Unit 21-C2
3012 17th Avenue S.E.
Calgary,
AB T2A 0P9
Tel: (403) 272-6619
Montreal
5491 Victoria Avenue
Suite 231
Montreal,
Quebec H3W 2P9
Tel: (514) 343-0515 |
Through your group: (For ANCOP-GK Partners)
Submit your form through your group’s GK
Walk Coordinator.
How can I solicit pledges?
Online using the GK Walk website. Login to your personal homepage and
solicit by sending e-mail to your prospective sponsors. They can also go to www.gkwalk.ca and search your name by clicking
the "Donate" link
Personal solicitation using your GK Walk
Pledge Form
What are the acceptable payment options for
registration or pledges?
You can pay through the following options:
Credit Card |
|
Cheque |
Mail cheque together with your
completed registration form.
At the back of the cheque, please
write ‘GK WALK 2009’ together with your complete name or
group name
|
Cash |
|
How do I remit the money that I collected or
received from my sponsors?
By Mail:
Submit your GK Walk pledge form and enclosed
your cheque payment (no cash) to:
GK WALK 2009
ANCOP International
(Canada), Inc.
7025 Tomken Rd, Unit 271
Mississauga ON. L5S
1R6
Toronto
Couples for Christ (CFC) Office
156 Shorting
Road
Scarborough ON M1S 3S6
Tel. No. (416) 321-1937
In Person:
Bring your pledge form together with
your collections to the following locations:
|
Toronto
ANCOP International (Canada), Inc.
7025 Tomken
Rd, Unit 271
Mississauga ON L5S 1R6
Tel. No. (905) 564-8539
Couples for Christ (CFC) Office
156 Shorting Road
Scarborough
ON M1S 3S6
Tel. No. (416) 321-1937
Edmonton
Knights of Columbus Bldg.
11030 – 127 St
Albert Trail,
Edmonton, AB T5M 3K7
Tel: (780) 447-0900
Ottawa
1093 Taffy Lane Ottawa,
ON, K1C 1Y4
Tel:
(613) 834-5472
Fort McMurray
245 Card Court
Ft McMurray,
AB T9K 2J1
Tel:
(780) 791-2856
Nelson Contreras - GK Walk Coordinator
|
Vancouver & Victoria
ANCOP / CFC Office:
Unit 250-2981 Simpson
Road,
Richmond, BC V6Y 2R2
Tel : (604) 270-1988
Winnipeg
1866 Notre Dame Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0X8
Tel : (204) 775-7503
Calgary
Unit 21-C2
3012 17th Avenue S.E.
Calgary,
AB T2A 0P9
Tel: (403) 272-6619
Montreal
5491 Victoria Avenue
Suite 231
Montreal,
Quebec H3W 2P9
Tel: (514) 343-0515 |
To your GK Walk Coordinator (For ANCOP-GK
Partners):
Request a provisional receipt from your
coordinator if such is applicable to your group.
Note: Please don’t forget to include your registration # when remitting your
collections. This will help us identify and credit the collection towards your
account.
Where should cheques be made payable to?
All cheques should be made payable to ‘ANCOP International (Canada),
Inc.’ Please ensure that you put ‘GK WALK 2009’, your
name and registration number at the back of the cheque.
How do I know if my registration was
successfully processed?
If you register on-line, you will receive a confirmation e-mail as soon as
your payment is accepted. For mailed-in registration, you will receive a
confirmation and a registration number either by post mail or e-mail once your
registration is received and processed. You may also bring your filled up
registration form and payment to the ANCOP office near your area. Upon
registration, you will receive the GK Walk Information Kit.
Will I be supported?
Before the GK Walk, the event organizers will give you loads of information.
We will provide you with all the necessary information you need about the event.
As always, we are just a phone call away. During the event we will provide
medical support and walking guides. You will also receive a free (and exclusive)
event t-shirt. You will be supported every step of the way. Local police will be
on hand to provide protection to walkers as well as direct traffic along the
route. GK Walk is on its 5th year with more than a thousand participants in 8
different locations across Canada and 30 locations in the United
States. WE WILL WALK WITH YOU.
What’s included in the GK Walk Information Kit?
Once you have registered, you will receive the GK Walk Information Kit which
includes the following:
Participant’s registration number
GK Walk Flyer and FAQ
GK Walk Pledge Form + tips on how to solicit
sponsorship and pledges
Personalized web page for keeping tab of
your on-line solicitation
Route Map
T-Shirt while supplies last (to be given on
the day of the walk upon presentation of registration)
What is the walk like?
The route provides a scenic, historic as well as a discovery walk. Local police will be on hand to provide directions, direct traffic and ensure the safety of participants. Stations will be positioned along the route to provide water and medical support, if needed.
Will there be any food or refreshments provided?
Only bottled water will be provided to the participants. You are encouraged to bring meals with you or enjoy a picnic with your group after the walk. At some rest stations more bottled waters will be provided to the participants.
Are there other activities during or after the
walk?
A welcoming ceremony and warm-up exercises will usher the start of the walk. After the walk, there may be a short program and entertainment by local artists. Participants are encouraged to make it a family day or have a picnic afterwards.
How do I get to the venue and where do I leave
my car?
The venue details and directions will be provided in your GK Walk Information Kit. There may be limited parking available. To help make the event more sustainable and environmentally friendly we recommend you look into the possibility of taking public transport or car pooling.
Can I bring my dog or pet?
Due to concerns from local police and with such large numbers involved, we strongly recommend that you do not bring your dog or pet along – our apologies. Guide dogs for the blind are welcome.
When should I join up?
We strongly encourage all participants to register early to allow you more time for solicitation. Deadline for on-line registration for your area is midnight then day before the walk. Participants enter on a first-come-first-serve basis.
What if the weather is bad on the day?
We cannot guarantee good weather on the scheduled date. Only in the event of severe weather conditions will this event be cancelled. We recommend that you watch the weather forecast in the days prior to the event and wear suitable clothing. Wear your GK Walk t-shirt during the actual walk, if any.
Help! I forgot my password
If you have forgot your password to your GK Walk homepage:
Click here to retrieve your password.
You will need to know your username or registration number and have a valid e-mail address on file when you registered.
Your password and login information will e-mailed to you.
Who should I contact if I have other
questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
ANCOP office in your area. Locations listed above. You can also go to the
following websites for more information:
ANCOP International Canada is a registered Canadian non-profit charity that supports
the work of Gawad Kalinga. Visit our website at
www.ancopcanada.org
| 
