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 July 12, 2026, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Toronto, Ontario, brought together over 2,000 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 John Zerucelli, Secretary of State for Labour and Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North
– Deepak Anand, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga—Malton
– Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor, City of Toronto
– Councillor Vincent Crisanti, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 1
– Councillor Dipika Damerla, Mississauga City Councillor for Ward 7
– Shelagh Barry, Interim President and CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation
– Suzanne Decary, Senior Vice-President of Programs at the CNIB Foundation
– Representatives of Toronto Police Service
– Representatives of Toronto Fire Service
MP John Zerucelli said, “Thank you to BAPS Charities, to the organizers, especially to all of the volunteers who made this event possible… I’ve had a lot of opportunities to spend time with the BAPS community over the years, and every time I visit, it reminds me of the values that make this community so special: service, compassion, generosity, and bringing people together… Many people may not know that the BAPS Charities walk/run began right here in Canada before growing into a global movement that now brings communities together around the world. That is something that Canada is enormously proud of. That’s something that you should be enormously proud of. And one of the things I admire most about BAPS is its guiding principle, ‘In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own’. It is a simple message, but a very powerful one. It reminds us that when we all help others, we all benefit. Our communities become stronger, our neighbours become closer, and our community becomes better. Today’s walk/run puts those words into action. The funds raised today will support two outstanding organizations, the William Osler Health System Foundation and the CNIB Foundation… So every step you take helps support that important work… Thank you for giving your time. Thank you for giving back.”
Mayor Olivia Chow said, “15 countries, 50 years of giving back, 50 years of making a difference. And imagine the thousands and thousands of people that are benefiting from health care, from being able to be guided, to get a helping hand from the community. It is your work that made a huge difference…When we come together, we are stronger. When we give to others, when we walk or run, we are saying that we believe in supporting each other. I want to congratulate you again for this message, for the sense of joy for coming together.”
Councillor Vincent Crisanti posted on social media,“It was an honour to join BAPS Charities for their annual Walk/Run in support of Health Initiatives across our community. This year’s event, held in 15 cities across Canada, brought residents together in support of the vital work being done by the William Osler Health System Foundation and CNIB Foundation. I want to commend the organizers on a beautifully run event, and extend my sincere thanks to the volunteers whose dedication made the morning possible. Events like this reflect the very best of our community spirit — in the joy of others, lies our own. Thank you to everyone who came out to walk, support, and give back. Ward 1 – Etobicoke North is stronger because of community partners like BAPS Charities.”
Shelagh Barry said, “It truly is wonderful to be here today to recognize the incredible impact of the BAPS Charities, and to recognize this partnership that has helped strengthen health care in our community for many years. On behalf of the Osler Foundation and the William Osler Health System, I really want to extend our gratitude to all of you here today and to the BAPS Charities Canada…Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and for your commitment in building health care for the future of our communities.”
Suzanne Decary said: “I want to thank everybody for being here today on this beautiful, warm day, to walk in support of a number of different organizations. We’ve been involved with BAPS Charities for a few years now, and I am amazed to see the growth of these events year after year. It is through the support of organizations like yours and through events like today that we’re able to help people find meaningful employment after losing their vision, be able to continue on to higher education, be able to have families support their families, and do all of the things that you all care about for your families and your communities. So on behalf of CNIB,… I just want to say that we are incredibly grateful for your continued support.”
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.
