The 11th Annual BAPS Family Walk in Toronto was much more than a usual walk. It was a unique way for families to set aside their busy schedules and enjoy a day walking with their family, friends and community for a good cause.

Close to a thousand participants took part in the 10-kilometer Family Walk on September 7, 2008. Participants ranging from age 4 to 80 walked in support of BAPS Charities and Sick Kids Foundation. The rains did not dampen the excitement of the walkers.

“SickKids Foundation is extremely grateful for the generous support of BAPS Charities, and I am personally thankful to have been involved in the 11th Annual BAPS Family Walk. It was incredible to see the amazing enthusiasm of the community – even with all the rain. I am already looking forward to next year!” said Christine Cleland, Development Officer for Sick Kids Foundation.

Inspired by His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, this annual event is growing and becoming more successful with each passing year with the joint efforts of participants, well-wishers, sponsors and youth organizers.

The youth of BAPS organized the entire event, from initial conception to actual implementation. The theme for this year’s walk was “One World, One Family”, with the underlying Vedic message that we are a single human family.

The kick-off ceremony took place at 10:00 am in front of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto. Following warm-up exercises, the sponsors, dignitaries and invited guests officially launched the 11th annual BAPS Family Walk.

Chief Sponsors of the event included Coca-Cola, Arthurs Juice, Pitney Bowes Canada, Rubicon, Fortinos, and No Frills, among many others.

Refreshment stations were setup en-route providing water, energy drinks, fruits and snacks for the participants. Volunteers at street crossings helped the participants cross safety. Local police from 23rd Division supported the event by patrolling the route for the safety of the participants. A medical team of volunteer doctors also provided their services for this event. A group of volunteers followed up behind the walkers to clean-up after the event. A delicious lunch was provided for all at the end of this very successful annual BAPS Family Walk.

Simultaneous BAPS Family Walks took place in more than 30 locations across North America sponsoring beneficiaries such as the American Diabetes Association, Boys and Girls Club of America, Shiners’ Hospital, Local police and fire department and various Children’s Hospitals in major metropolises. The spirit of these charity events is grounded in the countless hours of selfless voluntary efforts of BAPS Charities volunteers around the world.

BAPS Charities has helped those in need in almost every part of the world. Its contributions and responsiveness during natural calamities and disasters in South Asia, South America and North America are at a world class level.

http://swatitripathi.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/09/vasudhaivkutumbakam-family-walk-in-toronto-supports.htm