SVBF is privileged to be located in the Etobicoke General Hospital (EGH) -William Osler health Center community area.
This community hospital has served many of our congregation members in Emergency Care, Childbirth, Women's health and in all other aspects of health care.

As part of our community outreach effort, SVBF Canada conducted its first 5 Km Walkathon on October 08, 2022 along the scenic Humber River Recreational Trail featured breathtakingly beautiful views and landscapes. The Walkathon was organized in Support of the Women’s and Children’s Program at Etobicoke General Hospital and raise funds for the William Osler Health Center. Several members of the community including children and Seniors participated in the Walkathon and raised.

The William Osler foundation was very appreciative of this initiative and the funds raised by the temple devotees in support of the cause. The turnout to our walkathon was exceptional, with participants of various and numerous age groups including pets and parents with kids in strollers. Prior to the walkathon, our young adult volunteer, Rashmi Mysore, demonstrated stretches and pre-walk warm-up exercises. In advance of our walk, each participant received an SVBF backpack with an energy bar, water and goodies. Beginning our walkathon from SVBF Temple on an extremely pleasant morning, our SVBF youth volunteers guided the participants at frequent intervals while encouraging and motivating them, as well as supplying refreshments. The Humber River Trail was astonishingly delightful, abounding in different fall colours that offered several opportunities for photos. Upon the completion of our SVBF walkathon, hot and yummy meals were served to the amazing participants. In addition, we also enjoyed post-walk entertainment organized by the temple volunteers which everyone loved.

September 23rd 2023 - Saturday morning was the 2nd year of SVBF walkathon which was organized to raise funds for William Osler Health foundation by the SVBF volunteers.

There were over 20 volunteers in the planning committee. Planning started months before the event date to support various tasks like setting up the portal for fundraising, meeting with hospital staff on execution plan, route planning, registration, station masters duties, organizing goodies and snacks for the walkers, coordinating warm-up activity for the participants before the walk, entertainment , food, finding sponsors, emergency support etc. All the activities led by Captain - Param Uncle.

Over 10,000 $ has been raised in the last 2 years by the SVBF walkathon.

Walk started from SVBF temple on time around 8:30 am and there were participants from all age groups, ranging from young children to seniors including pets (dog) , enthusiastically joined the walkathon. This diverse participation not only highlights the universal appeal of the cause but also underscores the fact that anyone, regardless of age, can contribute meaningfully to a shared goal.

Everyone's presence as participants in the walkathon created a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Walkathons brought people together, everyone enjoyed the great weather while having fun conversations.

Hot delicious breakfast was served at the temple for all the participants which everyone enjoyed along with the entertainment.

It was nice to see over 100 participants were part of this great cause and it would be nice to see many more people join and support the SVBF community events in future.

Walkathons exemplify the profound impact that collective action can have on society. They demonstrate that even small steps, when taken together, can lead to monumental change. By participating in a walkathon, individuals not only contribute to a specific cause but also become part of a larger movement dedicated to making the world a better place, one step at a time.

The sucess of the previous two Walkathons increased the interest of the walkers and SVBF continued with the annual event. The third Walkathon was conducted on September 22,2024 raising over $4,500 to the hospital. This year our youth are lead the fund raiser efforts for Etobicoke General Hospital with a 5 km Walkathon.