More than a hundred 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, Loughborough.
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 more than 3,000 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 Loughborough, which serves children, youths, families, and the elderly.
The 2024 Challenge will also support BAPS’s local charity partner Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Previous national partners for BAPS and BAPS Charities have included the NSPCC, Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Anthony Nolan Trust, Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, the British Heart Foundation, Carers UK, Diabetes UK, KIDS, and Macmillan Cancer Support. Locally, in Loughborough the Challenge has helped Rainbows Hospice, The Food Bank in recent years.
There were also games organised for the whole family after the Challenge, and many refreshments provided along the way to keep walkers, joggers and runners hydrated and energised. 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 good causes.
Hansaben Panchmatia, a volunteer for BAPS in Loughborough, explained, “This challenge was inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj to serve everyone in the community. It is very encouraging to see so many children as well as senior members of the community joining in over the years. It truly shows what people can accomplish when they work together. I am looking forward to next year’s walk!”