The BAPS Charities Annual Walk-Run 2022 took place on September 11, 2022, in Toronto, ON. More than 1,300 participants of all ages took part in the event to support the life-saving work of the William Osler Health System Foundation, Scarborough Health Network Foundation, and the CNIB Foundation.
The William Osler Health System, one of the country’s largest community health care systems, comprises three integrated hospitals: Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, and the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
CNIB Foundation, formerly known as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, is a non-profit organization that delivers innovative programs and advocacy for people impacted by blindness.
The Scarborough Health Network comprises three hospitals and eight satellite sites which serve thousands of people annually.
His Worship John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto, said, “I am always happy when I come here and see what is really at the root of this wonderful BAPS community, which is helping others and supporting others. I want to acknowledge again the particular contribution, the efforts made by BAPS Charities to support our efforts during the pandemic to get people vaccinated and help keep people healthy. This walk for charity is taking place, supporting William Osler, CNIB, and Scarborough Health Network. We support each other, regardless of our faith, or of our race, or of our nationality, or any other aspect of our lives. We support each other because we are Canadians, we are Torontonians, and we are people. You have shown your commitment to building a stronger, fair, and more compassionate community. Thank you very much.”
Shari Lovelock, Director, Major Gifts and Campaigns at William Osler Health System Foundation, said, “I would like to start by expressing our deep appreciation for everything you have done for William Osler. BAPS Charities has been a friend of Osler for many years. BAPS Charities stepped forward to open a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic, donations for PPE, and brought flowers for our health care workers right in the midst of the pandemic. Today’s walk is a tremendous support to William Osler’s cancer care. Your continued support of Osler Hospitals is key to achieving our vision of providing patient, inspired health care without boundaries. So from the bottom of my heart thanks to you all today for your work.”
Carmel Brophey, Lead, Team Operations at CNIB Foundation, said, “On behalf of CNIB, I wanted to extend a huge thank you for welcoming us and for your generous donation. We are very much looking forward to seeing this relationship grow as we work together to serve our shared communities.”
The event was driven by the belief that In the joy of others, lies our own to bring awareness and raise funds for health initiatives of the foundations. The donations are also used by BAPS Charities to conduct many local and global charitable and humanitarian services.
Yogesh Patel, President of BAPS Charities, Canada, said, “This year, the BAPS Charities took place in 13 cities across Canada, with participation by over 4,000 people. The event format allowed participants to achieve their steps in a manner they felt comfortable and safe. It also gives families an important reason to get out and do something together while bringing attention to a good cause.”
The event allowed walkers and runners to connect through their shared goal of supporting their local community and supporting the message of “In the Joy of Others.”
Communities with a sense of shared responsibility have a greater power to help and assist those in need. Year after year, BAPS Charities’ walks and other humanitarian events remind us that we can all go further by uniting in the spirit of service to others.
