He re-mortgaged his house. To take a walk

It took him a year to convince his wife it was a good idea.

Syed Soharwardy, the 52-year-old imam who founded Muslims Against Terrorism and currently serves as president of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada, re-mortgaged his house to finance his Multi Faith Walk Against Violence in Halifax.

Soharwardy began walking in Halifax on April 20.

He estimates $300,000 will be spent by the end of it all.

The Islamic spiritual leader has long encouraged and engaged in open interfaith dialogues in churches, mosques and synagogues.

Inspired by the likes of Terry Fox, the Multi Faith Walk Against Violence was birthed from his desire to present his message of solidarity and non-violence to a larger, more diverse audience.

"Violence isn't a community problem," Soharwardy told SooToday.com. "It's a human problem."

Last night, Soharwardy, along with volunteers, other walkers and supporters from the community, gathered for a potluck supper in Bellevue Park.

He told us the response from the Canadian public along the "road of companionship" has been "absolutely and overwhelmingly positive."

People have been encouraging him by waving, honking, joining portions of the walk, and thanking him personally for his message and inspiration.

He invites everyone to join him on his walk, even for a short distance.

Walking an average of 35-40 kilometers a day, Soharwardy hopes to conclude his cross-Canada odyssey in Victoria, B.C. by the end of October.

Donations, currently accepted at all TD Canada Trust locations, may also be mailed to:

15205 Park Lane N.W. Calgary, Alberta T3P 1A6

For more information about the Multi Faith Walk Against Violence, visit the official website.