by Preet Kamal Singh Randhawa

On Oct.17, the Sikh Children and Youth of the Greater Toronto area held a 50km nun to raise money for the Hospital for sick children. It involved children and youth from the age of 7 years to some over 21 years who are attending York University and the University of Toronto. The weather was bad because it rained all day. However this did not dampen the spirit of the runners, if anything it made them more determined.

This was the first 50km ran held for Sikh children and youth what made the event even more unique was that it was organized by the Children and Youth of themselves, ‘The idea was initiated by the children following their summer camp held in Scarborough Gurdwara in August. However permission was Only received from the Hospital for Sick Children on Sept.17,1993,

The nun began from the Nishan Sahib at Scarborough Gurdwara at $:00.a.m, after a special Ardas for the event. The runners ran in a relay holding onto a Nishan Sahib Specially made for the event. After 28km mostly along Finch Avenue the runners reach Ramgarhia Gurdwara at 11:00a.m about half an hour ahead of schedule. After a half hour break the nun continued for another 15km before reaching Malton Gurdwara, At Malion Gurdwara some of the runners performed Kirtan and an appeal was made by the President and Secretary for the Sadh Sangat to help support the event. The response was incredible. From Malton Gurdwara the run continued for another 7km to the finish at Dixie Gurdwara at 3:00 p.m. Once again some of the runners performed kirtan and an amazing response was received from the Sadh Sangat in support of the event

The target by the children and youth was $10,000 of which $6,200 was already collected by the children and youth in Scarborough before the run began. However after the run the total stood at$10,397,65, This was due to the magnificent support from all the Sadh Sangat from across Toronto and all the Gurdwaras. On Oct.24, a check of $12,316.16 was presented to the representative of the Hospital for Sick Children, Elaine Berard. Paramjit Singh organized the event, and said that due to the overwhelming response from the community, more such events will be organized in the future.

Article extracted from this publication >>  November 5, 1993