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South Asian troupe adds colour to Canadian charity event
Indo-Asian News Service

Toronto, Sep 16 (IANS) A walk-run fundraiser in this Canadian city saw strong participation by the South Asian community that not only raised $3,000 but also added joie de vivre with drummers entertaining participants and audience alike.

The annual event organised by United Way, a charity, attracted over 10,000 participants. The mood was carnival-like with stilt-walkers and jugglers entertaining the crowd before the walkathon and run got under way, the local South Asian Observer reported. 

Participants included corporate and government teams, United Way agencies, families, community groups and media outlets. P&G Leaps and Bounds four km walk/five km run is United Way's largest community celebration and kicks off the annual fall fundraising campaign. 

The South Asian troupe lead by Parag Tandon, the charity's Manager New Markets and Special Projects, was distinctively visible with the vibrant beats of the dhol (an Indian percussion instrument) catching everyone's attention. 

Exited about success of the event Tandon said: "We involved dhol to attract more South Asians for the event and we got good response. The call for the South Asian community was given under the slogan of 'Chalo Dil Walo'." 

The South Asian group of about 400 people raised about $3,000 and the effort was well-appreciated. "People from strata of the society take part in this run and it is an opportunity to mingle with each other and also coming out for a good cause," added Tandon. 

The charity hopes to raise $94.5 million this year, which will be used to support 200 health and social service agencies that help senior citizens, young children, the homeless and abused women and children.

Most of the money raised in this year's campaign will support programmes that will "engage the youth positively", particularly in the troubled areas of our city where gun violence is spiking, said Frances Lankin, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Toronto.