In August 2021, BAPS Charities Canada held its annual walk/run in 57 cities and towns across Canada. This year, unlike the past, the event was a virtual one out of concern for the safety of the participants and volunteers due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
Building from 2020 and continuing its tradition of supporting global and community causes, this year’s walk/run supported the William Osler Health System Foundation, CNIB Foundation, Scarborough Health Network Foundation and Victoria General Hospital Foundation.
Communities that have a sense of shared responsibility have a greater power to provide help and assist those in need. Year after year, BAPS Charities’ walks and events remind us that by uniting in the spirit of service to others, we can all go further. More than 700 families registered from across Canada for this years In The Joy Of Others Walk | Run.
People of all ages took part, from 5-year-old first-time walkers to senior citizens. The event format allowed participants to achieve their steps in a manner they felt comfortable and safe. It gave families a noteworthy reason to get out and do something together, all the while bringing attention to a good cause. More than 2,000 participants logged over 25 million steps across Canada. Across North America, this year, more than 11,000 walkers joined the virtual event to take over 200 million steps, together.
“It’s wonderful see so many people coming together virtually to help the community”, said Yogesh Patel, President, BAPS Charities Canada. “We are thankful to the youth volunteers of BAPS Chariteis for organizing this unique virtual event and for encouraging everyone to spread the word through social media.”
In addition to this annual event, during the COVID Pandemic, BAPS Charities Canada has provided over 175,000 pieces of personal protective equipment; delivered over 7,200 food and care packages; donated over 20,000 pounds of food to local food banks, and has helped vaccinate over 21,000 people. Also, BAPS Charities provided lifesaving resources in India through its partner hospitals and volunteers.
BAPS Charities actively supports health and well-being efforts throughout the year through Vaccination Drives, Health Fairs, Health Awareness Lectures, and Children’s Health and Safety Day. BAPS Charities also organizes other socially responsible and humanitarian events throughout the year like Food Drives and Earth Day. The activities of BAPS Charities are centered on improving the quality of lives of individuals and their families. For additional information on BAPS Charities Canada and its philanthropic activities, please visit https://www.bapscharities.org/canada/.