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 Windsor, Ontario, brought together over 200 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:
– Harb Gill, Member of Parliament for Windsor West
– Councillor Jim Morrison, Windsor City Councillor for Ward 10
– Councillor Kieran McKenzie, Windsor City Councillor for Ward 9
– Councillor Frazier Fathers, Windsor City Councillor for Ward 2
MP Harb Gill said, “This meaningful event brings together individuals and families in the spirit of service, compassion, and community engagement. Guided by the principal, ‘In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own’. BAPS Charities continues to inspire positive changes by raising awareness and support for important health and charitable causes. Through its dedication to helping those in need, this event supports the vital work of the William Osler Health System Foundation and the CNIB Foundation while encouraging community members to make a lasting difference through collective action. The commitment of BAPS Charities, its volunteers, participants, and supporters reflects the strength of a community united by generosity and a shared responsibility to improve the lives of others.”
Councillor Frazier Fathers said, “On behalf of myself, Councillor Morrison, Councillor McKenzie, Mayor Dilkens, and the rest of City Council, I want to thank you for putting on this event today… It’s great to join the members of the BAPS Charities, community leaders, volunteers, families, MP Gill, as well as the rest of the broader community here in West Windsor. The event today brings people together around shared commitment to service, compassion, and community. The BAPS Charities are guided by the principle of, ‘In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own’. And this simple yet powerful message reflects the incredible work that your organization does, and the impact that it has on Windsor and the communities beyond Windsor. Through the dedication of your thousands of volunteers, you support health initiatives, education programs, humanitarian relief efforts, environmental projects, and community outreach that strengthens communities and improves lives across Windsor and across the country. This year, the BAPS walk is taking place from 17 communities… in support of the William Osler Health System Foundation and CNIB Foundation, which do amazing work in our community and across the country. Windsor is proud to join those other 17 communities in the great work that BAPS does. Through your dedication to helping others, the BAPS community continues to have a lasting positive impact here and beyond. The values that guide your organization of service, generosity, compassion, and community are truly values that make Windsor a strong place, a welcoming city, and a place that we’re all proud to call home. I want to thank the BAPS community for your continued commitment and service in organizing this event and bringing people together, and your dedication to helping others and strengthening 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.
