The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate communities around the globe. Thanks to the effort put forth by scientists, researchers, doctors, among many others, vaccines have been developed that have shown evidence of generating strong immune responses against the COVID-19 virus. The scientific community and public officials have emphasized widespread vaccination as an essential pillar of battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ontario Ministry of Health arranged for the creation and operation of a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the BAPS Swaminarayan Complex premises at 61 Claireville Drive, operated by BAPS Charities.
The unique collaboration of BAPS Charities, William Osler Health System, Solicitor General / Vaccine Distribution Task Force, with the Ontario Ministry of Health will make the clinic possible.
BAPS Charities was selected to host the clinic, given its proven background in delivering humanitarian services and because of its location in an area considered to be a hot-spot community for risk of COVID-19 infections. This was the first Ontario mass vaccination clinic of its kind set up in such a community setting.
The clinic is scheduled to operate for 21 days to vaccinate over 15,000 people.
The event was inaugurated on April 13 by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in the presence of Hon. Christine Elliott, Minister of Health, Hon. Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General, Deepak Anand, MPP for Mississauga-Malton and Yogesh Patel, President of BAPS Charities. The event was broadcast live across Canada by the media. Premier Ford said: “BAPS Charities has really stepped up throughout the pandemic. And their volunteers have now taken on the challenge of setting up this pop-up vaccine clinic as part of our accelerated roll-out to get needles into arms in high-risk neighbourhoods. As we continue to make steady progress vaccinating our seniors and most vulnerable, they’re helping get vaccines to the residential and industrial neighbours here in Etobicoke, many of whom are essential workers. It’s incredible, and I want to thank you again for what you’re doing right here.”
Todd Pittman, a lead planner on the provincial government team supporting the clinic’s operation said, “It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of the BAPS Charities clinic and to see how much hard work that BAPS Charities is doing to encourage outreach to the local community to ensure a successful vaccination initiative.”
Yogesh Patel, President of BAPS Charities commented, “We are glad to be able to host the COVID-19 vaccine clinic, which will reduce the burden on hospitals and society. We thank the William Osler medical team and all of the volunteers of BAPS Charities.”
BAPS Charities volunteers in locations across Canada and worldwide continue to assess their local communities’ situation to provide support effectively.
