The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Two volunteers who began a cross-country walk to raise awareness and funds for the Bhutan Kidney Foundation, on June 4 this year, arrived at the Clock Tower in Thimphu on July 4th , exactly a month after they started off from Samdrup Jongkhar covering 738 Kilometers.
Mr.Tsheten Dorji and Mr. Chimi began the Awareness Walk coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, from Samdrup Jongkhar. They covered 8 dzongkhags in the span of a month, spending time to advocate for a healthier lifestyle, and at the same time, accepting contributions to help Kidney Patients in the country through the Bhutan Kidney Foundation. The advocates visited schools and institutions during the course of their walk.
The volunteers were received at various points during their walk by respective Dzongkhag representatives, and enjoyed a great deal of support and encouragement from everyone they met along the way. The walkers received around Nu. 6.4 million (still counting) on behalf of the Bhutan Kidney Foundation, as contributions from individuals, business communities, organizations and institutions across the country.
The walkers spent the night in Hongtsho, and were joined by volunteers at Semtokha, who accompanied them to the Clock Tower Square, the conclusion of a long and fruitful journey.
The two advocates were received ceremoniously by His Excellency the Speaker of the National Assembly at the Clock Tower Square, where a small celebratoryprogramme was held to mark the conclusion of the walk.
According to the Founder and Executive Director of Bhutan Kidney Foundation, Mr.Tashi Namgay, the awareness walk was a huge success due to the active participation and support of numerous people across the country who came forward not only with donations for the foundation, but also to support the walkers with food, shelter, and to provide morale during their long journey.
“I am happy to say that in the past month, the entire country has demonstrated that they deeply care for people suffering from Kidney diseases– it has been extremely heartening to see their unwavering support for the Foundation. We are also fortunate to have Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s blessings, support, and guidance,” he said.
