On Saturday 6th August 2022, just over 100 men, women and children from Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton joined hundreds of members of the local community for the weekly Parkrun at Leverhulme Park. 

The walkers were inspired by our Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s philosophy of selfless giving and it was explained that “Dedicating one’s life to the service of others is the truest celebration of festival”. 

Participants walked 5K to raise much needed funds for the local charity Backup North West, who provide opportunities for the teenage homeless to be safe, stable and develop skills for independence. Participants also kindly donated non-perishable goods which were passed onto Urban outreach, a charity who provide food for households in crisis and support for the most vulnerable members of society in Bolton. To raise further funds, volunteers sold drinks and water at the stalls and all profits were directed towards the chosen charities.

The event forms a part of the charitable endeavours that the Mandir is undertaking as a countdown to Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton Suvarna Mahotsav, celebrating 50 years since Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa’s first Vicharan on English soil in 1970, and the flourishing of the satsang since.

To kick off the morning, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipeband Bolton entertained and warmed up the crowds at the beginning of the event, creating a thrilling atmosphere and raising the spirits of the participants for the walk ahead. They also gave all participants the final push to the finish line as they all returned bringing the event to a close.

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