Last year, the President of AWC Amsterdam and FAWCO 3rd VP, Martha Canning walked 160 kilometers to raise funds for the FAWCO Target Project Hope Beyond Displacement and to raise awareness of the plight of refugees. It is safe to say that she was the inspiration for FAWCO’s efforts this year to involve all of us and our clubs in World Refugee Day which is on June 20, 2018. Following is our interview with Martha:
Martha, before you answer the questions, please provide the details about the walk - what it was, why it was, where it was etc.
The International Four Day Marches Nijmegen, held yearly in the area around Nijmegen, Netherlands, is the world's largest multiple day walking/marching event. Since 1909 (with the exception of during both world wars) thousands of participants from around the world, both military and civilian, have gathered each July to walk or march 30, 40 or 50 km per day, depending on age and gender. Successful finishers are awarded an official Dutch military medal, the Four Days Cross. In July of 2018, I joined over 42,000 people in attempting to complete this landmark walk.
What inspired you to do the walk?
Inspiration is a funny thing, and usually comes from multiple sources. I had been involved in collecting bicycles and household goods for refugees, and was fortunate to be able to speak with some of them, which had a big impact on me. Also, I had read and was deeply moved by Warsan Shire's poem “Home” about the decisions refugees must make and the experiences they are forced to undergo while fleeing home for a safer refuge. The poem is so well written that I could imagine myself as a mother putting my child in a small boat in a dark sea. Lastly, I was (and am) inspired by my father, who was a staunch adherent to building a bigger table and opening your door when you have more than you need.
The walk was a physical challenge that I wanted to take on. Walking 160 km over 4 days was a chance to challenge myself while experiencing both the solitude of walking and the camaraderie of a group in a part of the Netherlands that has beautiful nature and a strong WWII history. I planned to use this walk to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and funds for the FAWCO Target Project Hope Beyond Displacement.
What surprised you about the walk?
I was surprised (even overwhelmed) by the positive and uplifting atmosphere during the event. While I expected people to be friendly and supportive, they were much more than that. Encouragement was everywhere and it was evident that people genuinely wanted the walkers to complete the event. In each village we walked through we were offered coffee, cake and sandwiches. Children carried bowls of pretzels and candy over to walkers so that they didn't need to stop. Garden hoses were set up on makeshift taps by residents, for cooling off and refilling water bottles – so necessary in the July heat. I think I drank out of every garden hose in the region surrounding Nijmegen! Whatever a walker needed was provided by the community, including large doses of motivation.
What was the most difficult part for you?
The most difficult part of the walk for me was.....blisters! I soon developed severe blisters over the soles of both feet, in spite of having the correct walking shoes. Luckily, the Red Cross had medical tents stationed along the way, which were filled with kind and caring volunteers. The volunteer treating my blisters asked me what my goal was, to which I replied that I wanted to finish 160 km. He told me that in order to do that, I needed to spend an hour and a half each day in the medical tent getting blister treatment, and take no other breaks except for bathroom stops. If I did that, he would do his part to keep me going and I would most likely finish. We both lived up to this agreement, and he was correct!
What did you learn?
I learned many things during the Four Days Marches. First of all (and not unimportantly), marching songs! Many military units participated with the additional burden of full uniform and pack, and demonstrated a few tricks to get through difficult moments, among them the power of collective singing. It seemed that just when we needed them the most, the military showed up, be it with portable water stations, fresh apples or toilets, the military had anticipated the need and possessed the organizational abilities to solve it. I gained great respect for the military and their importance during disasters and situations of need. I also learned to stick to what matters when trying to achieve something. In this case, keep walking. There was so much to see and do along the way, but walkers that paused too often to enjoy these sights were in danger of not finishing by the deadline – a good life lesson. I learned that if you need something, you should ask. When I was in need, all I had to do was ask and someone provided for me. I learned (or was reminded) of the goodness of people. Out of the thousands of people participating and over a million spectators, not once did I witness negativity or unkindness.
What would you like to share in order to inspire others?
While I was walking, I tried to imagine the reality of being a refugee. How it is to walk endlessly, toward an uncertain destination, all the while struggling with harsh and dangerous conditions. How it must be to be carrying innocent children through those conditions, facing hate and discrimination along the way.
When I was cold, hot tea was offered to me. When I was tired, a seat. When I needed medical assistance, it was nearby. People were kind and generous, and a feeling of camaraderie developed between 42,000 strangers who rose at 3:30 am each day and sang marching songs together. What a contrast to the conditions along the routes refugees must follow. I had walked over 160 km, but I had not walked in a refugee's shoes. The conditions that refugees face are relentlessly difficult. Without the support and compassion of others more fortunate, too many will not survive, let alone thrive. I encourage everyone to put themselves in a refugee's shoes and then perform some act, small or large, to have a positive impact on the refugee population. Whether it is fundraising, donating goods, teaching a skill or sharing a cup of tea – all are needed and you may well find that the greatest beneficiary is yourself.
Learn more about what you and your club can do to get involved for World Refugee Day at
The International Four Day Marches Nijmegen, held yearly in the area around Nijmegen, Netherlands, is the world's largest multiple day walking/marching event. Since 1909 (with the exception of during both world wars) thousands of participants from around the world, both military and civilian, have gathered each July to walk or march 30, 40 or 50 km per day, depending on age and gender. Successful finishers are awarded an official Dutch military medal, the Four Days Cross. In July of 2018, I joined over 42,000 people in attempting to complete this landmark walk.
I learned many things during the Four Days Marches. First of all (and not unimportantly), marching songs! Many military units participated with the additional burden of full uniform and pack, and demonstrated a few tricks to get through difficult moments, among them the power of collective singing. It seemed that just when we needed them the most, the military showed up, be it with portable water stations, fresh apples or toilets, the military had anticipated the need and possessed the organizational abilities to solve it. I gained great respect for the military and their importance during disasters and situations of need. I also learned to stick to what matters when trying to achieve something. In this case, keep walking. There was so much to see and do along the way, but walkers that paused too often to enjoy these sights were in danger of not finishing by the deadline – a good life lesson. I learned that if you need something, you should ask. When I was in need, all I had to do was ask and someone provided for me. I learned (or was reminded) of the goodness of people. Out of the thousands of people participating and over a million spectators, not once did I witness negativity or unkindness.
While I was walking, I tried to imagine the reality of being a refugee. How it is to walk endlessly, toward an uncertain destination, all the while struggling with harsh and dangerous conditions. How it must be to be carrying innocent children through those conditions, facing hate and discrimination along the way.
