BAPS Charities hosted the 2026 Spirit of Service Walk-Run, uniting more than 50,000 participants across over 100 cities in Canada and the United States in support of local nonprofit organizations. The nationwide initiative highlighted the values of community service, volunteerism, and civic engagement in action.
On June 20, 2026, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Cambridge, Ontario, brought together over 400 participants for a day dedicated to service, health, and community engagement. The event encouraged individuals and families to come together in support of two beneficiaries: the William Osler Health System Foundation and the CNIB Foundation.
The William Osler Health System is one of the largest community health care systems in the country, comprising three integrated hospitals: Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, and the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
The 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.
Participants of all ages took part in the walk/run, reflecting the community’s shared commitment to service, health, and giving back. The event was honoured by the presence of the following elected officials and community leaders, who participated alongside volunteers and supporters to demonstrate their support for the charitable cause:
– The Hon. Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo
– Mayor Jan Liggett, City of Cambridge
– Councillor Helen Shwery, Cambridge City Councillor for Ward 1
– Councillor Corey Kimpson, Cambridge City Councillor for Ward 3
– Representatives from Waterloo Regional Police Service
– Representatives from Guelph Police Service
MP Bardish Chagger said, “Today I’m here at the BAPS, and it’s been amazing to see hundreds of people coming together to support the work of the charity. They’re going to be walking, and this is one of those communities where everyone feels like they’re part of the family. Every single time I come here, there’s a calmness to the people, there’s a kindness to the people, and it’s been truly a privilege to be part of this experience today.”
Mayor Jan Liggett said, “I love coming here every year… On behalf of the citizens of Cambridge and as well as Ontario, the work that you do, you raise money that goes to the health of people in our province. So, thank you so much for the dedication that you do year after year after year, and you’ve contributed to the health, you contribute to the community, and it’s that sort of thing that makes you a blessed community. So, thank you so much.”
Councillor Helen Shwery said, “I love being here. It’s my third year coming. And what impresses me most about you all, it’s like you’re one family. The children, the grandparents, the parents, it’s so beautiful… Thanks to all you do.”
Through more than 1,200 walkathons organized over the past two decades, BAPS Charities has supported meaningful causes while fostering unity, compassion, and well-being in communities. The BAPS Charities Walk-Run continues to demonstrate how volunteerism and civic engagement can bring communities together and inspire future generations.
