On the morning of Saturday 31 March 2012, BAPS hosted its inaugural Walkathon in Sydney, Australia. in support of Westmead Medical Research Foundation (WMRF), which conducts life-saving medical research. Families, children and the elderly all turned out for the 3-km walk through Parramatta Park. Walkers were flagged off by Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami and chief guest walker Mr Phillip Ruddock, Federal MP for Berowra.
Addressing the walkers, Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami said that the tradition of walking for the good of others began over 200 years in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya with the divine pilgrimage of NilkanthVarni, who walked for seven years across India to inspire spiritual seekers and help people in the community.
About WMRF
Westmead Medical Research Foundation supports life-saving medical research, and the care of sick adults and children, at Westmead in Sydney's west. They do this by raising funds that enable its researchers to continually push the boundaries of medical innovation, while also broadening the scope and reach of its treatments. For more information visit www.wmrf.org.au