More than 150 people – from toddlers through to senior citizens – came together to participate in the BAPS Annual Charity Challenge on Sunday 4 August at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Birmingham.
The participants walked, jogged and some even ran 10 kilometres in a fun-filled family and community event that raised vital funds for various good causes.
The Annual Charity Challenge was a nationwide effort that brought together enthusiastic participants from towns and cities across the country for a fun and healthy way to raise money for various worthy causes and local charities.
The funds will support BAPS’s multifarious educational, community, and spiritual activities in Birmingham, which serves children, youths, families, and the elderly.
The 2024 Challenge will also support BAPS’s local charity partner Birmingham Children's Hospital, which helps to provide the highest quality, world-class care that women, children, and families want, and deserve.
Plenty of refreshments were provided along the way to keep walkers, joggers and runners hydrated and energised, while after the Challenge, there were games organised for the whole family. The enjoyable, healthy day out with friends and family made a real, lasting impact by promoting active lifestyles and supporting the work of local charities and noble causes.
Will Graves, Regional Fundraiser at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, was also present at the opening ceremony. In a short address before the walk began, Mr Graves thanked BAPS for its continuing efforts in serving the wider community. He said, “The funds will help parents of the children receiving care and treatment at the hospital during times of great distress and help Birmingham Children’s Hospital in providing healthcare essentials.”
Nayna Chauhan, mother to a young child who took part in the challenge, added, “It’s so important to support local charities with their endeavours. Birmingham Children’s Hospital does an incredible job of caring for children and their families every single day, so it makes me feel so proud to be a part of something that is helping them. I had so much fun taking part in the Annual Charity Challenge with my family and friends. It’s a wonderful way to keep fit, too!”
Bipin Shingadia, a leading volunteer for BAPS in Birmingham, explained, “This annual challenge was inspired by our spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, who always encourages us to serve everyone in the community. It is heartwarming to see so many children as well as senior members of the community joining in, which shows what people can accomplish when they work together. We’re already looking forward to the next charity event!”