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 27, 2026, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Brandon, Manitoba, brought together over 300 participants for a day dedicated to service, health, and community engagement. The event encouraged individuals and families to come together in support of three beneficiaries: the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, the William Osler Health System Foundation and the CNIB Foundation.
The Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation is committed to raising funds to support healthcare needs in the region. Donations to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation help fund a variety of purchases and projects within the community for the benefit of all who are served by the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
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:
– His Worship Jeff Fawcett, Mayor, City of Brandon
– Michael Lees, Deputy Chief of Emergency Services at Brandon Fire & Emergency Services
– Jo-Anne Lewis, Executive Director, Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation
Mayor Jeff Fawcett said, “I always get great enjoyment in joining BAPS on this walk, but also in all the work that gets done through the community all the time… I see people that are good Brandonites doing good things around the world and doing good things for people here locally. I love looking out in this crowd all the time because of all the intergenerational. We’ve got our people that have lived on the earth a little longer, and we have all our young people. And a lot of the stuff we’re doing is to do things, so we have this great community and then a great place to live for all these young people. And thank you everybody for being good examples on how to live good lives and how to be good people, and setting good examples for all of our young ones… On behalf of all of Brandon City Council, thank you for doing the things that you’re doing. Thank you for contributing back to our community. And we know that you do that every day, and it’s greatly appreciated. So from one Brandonite to another, thank you very much.”
MLA Wayne Balcaen conveyed his greetings via a scroll, stating that “What stands out most about the work of BAPS Charities is the genuine care and kindness behind it. Whether supporting health awareness, education, humanitarian relief, environmental protection, or community empowerment, your efforts show what can happen when people come together with open hearts and a shared desire to help others. That spirit of service makes a meaningful difference here in Brandon and in communities around the world. This year’s walk is especially meaningful as it supports important health-related causes, including the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation and the William Osler Health System Foundation. Every step taken today is a reminder that when people come together with purpose, generosity, and care for one another, they can make a real and lasting difference.”
Jo-Anne Lewis said, “I’d like to thank you for having me here today as a representative of your local health. The staff and the board of directors of the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation are truly grateful for the support you’ve given to us. With BAPS Charities goal of bringing awareness and raising funds for health initiatives, the designation of proceeds raised from the walk/run towards the new Critical Care Centre at the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation is fitting. This new building, having 16 intensive care unit beds and 30 internal medicine beds, will help to provide life-saving services to individuals from across our region, offering advanced care and state-of-the-art equipment… Once again, I would like to thank you for supporting the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation and for choosing to support Twin Compare in Brandon. Your generous donation will have a lasting impact on our community.”
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.
