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 21, 2026, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Winnipeg, Manitoba, brought together over 350 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 Victoria Hospital Foundation and the William Osler Health System Foundation.
The Victoria Hospital Foundation focuses on enhancing patient care and improving community health by supporting healthcare innovations at Victoria Hospital and engaging various stakeholders in its mission.
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.
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. Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South
– Ron Schuler, Member of Legislative Assembly for Springfield-Richtot
– Billie Cross, Member of Legislative Assembly for Seine River
– Diljeet Brar, Member of Legislative Assembly for Burrows
– Acting Deputy Mayor and Councillor Janice Lukes, City of Winnipeg
– Sharmon Luchuck , Communications & Public Relations Manager at Victoria Hospital Foundation
– Divya Prabha Chandiran, Community Development Manager at Canadian Blood Services
MP Terry Duguid said, “It’s wonderful to be here at the BAPS Charities Walkathon once again… It’s an event every year that brings the community together for a very good cause. And I really want to thank, on behalf of the Government of Canada, just the generous spirit that this community has, and of course, the local charities that you support.”
MLA Ron Schuler said, “Congratulations for putting this on, to all the volunteers… Thank you for doing this walk and for raising money for those who need help from time to time. And that might actually be us someday too. So we’re actually raising money to help poor communities and those that may need help at some point in time. Thank you all.”
MLA Billie Cross said, “I want to thank BAPS Charities for this walk, for organizing and bringing so many people together… I just wanna say a huge thank you for coming out on Father’s Day, giving up your Sunday morning to do something for others. And I think that’s really important when the premier and our caucus talks about one Manitoba, you are all demonstrating that behavior right now, what one Manitoba truly means. And as you’re walking or running today, I want you to think about you’re not just doing an activity, you’re supporting healthcare initiatives and charities that do lifesaving work. I wanna thank you for supporting the Victoria Hospital. For many of us here, that is an important place for all of us. South Winnipeg is growing by leaps and bounds, and we absolutely need more services in healthcare in this area… Once again, thank you so much for coming today. Thank you for donating.”
MLA Diljeet Brar said, “I want to say thank you to BAPS Charities and the community members who are the leaders for this walk and the initiatives that you have for this community. Friends, walking is important and walking is good for health, but walking together is even more important. So I want to say thank you to you for bringing everybody together so that we can walk together. This is not just for raising funds. This is not just for health. This is for the good health of our society.”
Councillor Janice Lukes said, “It’s always wonderful to come and to see so many familiar faces and for the work that you do in our community, in our city. Our city has got some big challenges, as we know, as we read and as we hear, but when communities come together and work together and join hand in hand, arm in arm, we can conquer anything. We can solve so many problems. And I just wanna thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for doing so much for our city and being involved in our city and for getting your kids involved and sharing your knowledge and your beliefs with the children and carrying this on. So to all the charities that you’ve helped support, to Victoria Hospital, thank you so much. It means so much for all of us. Thank you.”
Sharmon Luchuck said, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be here today with you ‘In the joy of others’. The Victoria Hospital Foundation is grateful to be partnering with BAPS Charities… By you walking here today, you’re making a meaningful impact on the health of our community… A portion of today’s proceeds supports Access Fort Garry Therapeutic Garden. This garden supports youth and young adults with mental health concerns. It helps access to care by fostering safety, trust, and open communications beyond the walls of the clinic… At our recent opening of the garden, we recognized BAPS Charities for their generous contributions. Thank you for your kindness and your selfless goodwill for giving back to the community. It really is a meaningful impact.”
Divya Prabha Chandiran said, “Thank you for having Canadian Blood Services and being a partner with our Partner for Life Programs since 2022… BAPS Charities has donated over 150 units of blood… I see all of you gathered together in the spirit of community, let’s have a great walk… Thank you so much.”
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.
