Annual BAPS Care International
Walk-a-thon held in Chino, California
December 3, 2005

The month of December finished with the final walk of the 8th National Walk-a-thon held in over 30 centers across North America and Canada.  Organized by BAPS Care International, over 250 participants and delegates walked in this year’s annual walk which was held on Saturday December 3rd at the Cypress Trails Park in Chino, California.  The Walk-a-thon is designed to unite families by encouraging parents and children to walk together for a noble cause.  Participants reflected upon the significance of the day as they made 6 rounds of the 1.3-mile path.   Chino Hills Mayor, Bill Krueger, President Ed Gray and Jim Espinoza of the Fire Board, along with fire crew, and the sheriff’s explorers inaugurated the walk. 

BAPS Care International organizes a walkathon every year across North America to give an opportunity to each and every individual to take the first step to sincerely serve the world by caring for individuals, families and communities. One of the walkers commented, "It feels good to do something for others, walking is not only good for me, but it’s for a noble cause.”

Each walkathon participant strives to build a better world for thousands by raising funds that translate into many community services.  These activities are a reflection of how each walkathon participant can change the world for better – one step at a time !

BAPS Care International is the services arm of BAPS, a Hindu socio-spiritual organization with a commitment to working for the betterment of society through an emphasis on family values and charitable activities.  Recently, in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, BAPS Care International launched its relief efforts by dispatching a team of volunteers along the stricken gulf coast.  This year’s theme “Building a Better World…One Step at a Time” exemplifies the principle that BAPS Care International holds.  In response to the urgent need of the community, BAPS Care International will donate funds raised by the 2005 walkathon for hurricane relief projects.  In previous years, funds have been raised for the Tsunami Relief Efforts and to help the families of victims of 911.

Funds raised through the walk-a-thon helps BAPS Care International in organizing various community development programs and various local youth and children’s activities throughout the year.  Part of this years proceeds from the Walk-a-thon were donated to the Chino Valley Independent Fire District and the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Department’s Explorer Scouts Program.  President Ed Gray and Jim Espinoza of the Fire Board as well as a fire crew were present to represent CVIFD and Deputy Martin Landaeta along with 4 Explorers attended the function to represent the Sheriff’s Departments Explorer Scouts.

With the joint efforts of walkers, well-wishers and youth organizers, this year's walk was once again an outstanding success.