BLIA Toronto Celebrates Father’s Day

Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter hosted a "Family Fun Day" to celebrate Father’s Day on June 19th. BLIA members were invited to come to the FGS Temple of Toronto to enjoy the celebration together. Various excellent performances and delicious vegetarian food were the main attractions.

Mabel Ho, the President of the BLIA Toronto Chapter, said, "The Family Fun Day is focusing on getting BLIA members and their families closer and enjoying quality time together. For the sake of safety and considering the pandemic restrictions are just easing recently, the event is open to members only. It also serves as an opportunity for the BLIA Toronto Chapter to learn the experience and prepare for resuming in-person public events in the future.”

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto welcomed all BLIA members and wished everyone a super fun Father's Day. 

The opening drum performance was a collective effort of members from the Montreal and Toronto Buddha's Light 24 Seasons Drum Troupes. The dramatic rhythms and powerful beats impressed over 400 participants on the spot. The excitement continued with the Buddha's Light Lion and Dragon Dance. Other performances included the Buddha’s Light Choir, Children's guitar and singing, Chinese flutes, dance and fun family activities. 

Besides performances by BLIA members, there were two special performances from the students of the University of Waterloo, they were the Unaccompanied Minors performed "A Capella," a song without instrumental accompaniment, and the Toy Band sang various pop songs. 

Thanks to all BLIA Toronto members' support, there were 17 other booths such as games for children and adults, vegetarian foods, snacks, drinks, ice cream, flowers and plants, a Wishing tree, Spiritual Care, the 6th Meadowvale Scouts, VEGRUN, Vege Plan A, face painting, balloon making, and popcorn booths. It was lovely to see families of all kinds come for a day of fun together. 

By Sock Gee Gan