Hundreds of community members of all ages along with special guests attended the official launch of the 22nd annual BAPS Charities Walk 2019.
The event was held on Saturday April 13 at the BAPS Complex located at 61 Claireville Drive, Toronto.
What began in Toronto 22 years ago at a small centre with just a handful of volunteers has now grown into a national walkathon held in 11 cities across Canada with more than 3,000 participants.
This growth was inspired by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and is being nurtured by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj.
This year’s Walks in Canada will Nationally support the lifesaving work of the William Osler Health System and regionally; the Scarborough Health System in Ontario and the Victoria General Hospital Foundation in Manitoba.
Special guests at the launch event included:
Hon. Ahmed D. Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
Mr. Deepak Anand, MPP, Mississauga- Malton
Mr. Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation
Appreciating the work of BAPS Charities, Hon. Minister Hussen said, “You saw the walk, the green initiatives, the blood donations, the work in terms of organizing donations to the William Osler hospital. It shows that you care about the community…You set a good example for the rest of the country.”
Mr. Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation said, “My deep and heartfelt thanks for all that BAPS Charities does. On behalf of all those who will be helped by your kindness, on behalf of all of the many families that you will help, we’re very grateful.”
BAPS Charities also hosts other events throughout the year including health fairs, international student seminars, community youth sports tournaments, health awareness seminars, blood donation drives and yoga sessions. BAPS Charities sincerely serves the community, by improving the quality of life of individuals and families.
BAPS Charities is also proud to have partnered and supported other charitable organizations in Canada, including the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to support its Billion Dollar Campaign for Personalized Cancer Care and the Sick Kids Hospital to support its Research and Leaning tower.
To learn and join a walk near you please go to www.bapscharities.org/canada
About BAPS Charities
BAPS Charities is a non-profit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and humanitarian services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centres around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually. Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world. BAPS Charities harnesses the efforts and collective spirit of volunteers around the world to collectively serve individuals, families, and communities in five key areas: health, education, humanitarian aid, community empowerment and environmental initiatives. A collective spirit of volunteerism enables BAPS Charities to serve cities and suburbs across North America.
For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org.
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