The 2024 Toronto VEGRUN, co-organized by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, and the Pure Green Foundation, took place with great enthusiasm at Centennial Park with over 200 participants. Aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event aimed to promote vegetarianism and environmental awareness under the theme of " Environmental and Spiritual Preservation," as advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. The event contributed to health, environmental protection, and social welfare.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, expressed gratitude to attendees for their unwavering support, emphasizing that VEGRUN charity run promotes not only environmental protection but also vegetarianism and a healthy lifestyle. She highlighted the collective efforts to contribute to Earth's sustainability. Kevin Cao, event coordinator and Vice President of BLIA Toronto echoed these sentiments, stating that VEGRUN embodies "compassion" and demonstrates love and care for the earth and the community.

Special guests Renae Addis, Director of Development at ERINOAK KIDS, and Fiona D'Silva-Coelho, Annual Giving Manager, attended the event. They praised the compassionate efforts of Fo Guang Shan members, noting that the participants' enthusiasm and love inspire more people to care about the health of sick children. The event raised over CAD 5,200, which will be donated to ERINOAK KIDS, Ontario's largest children's treatment center. Online fundraising will continue until July 31.

Despite unpredictable weather conditions, including intermittent showers, bursts of sunshine, and sudden clouds, participants remained enthusiastic. The event officially commenced at 3 PM, instructor Li Li led a dynamic warm-up session, setting an energetic tone for the run. At the signal of the whistle by Venerable Chueh Fan, participants embarked on their chosen routes, either running or walking along the scenic hills of the park.The run offered three distance options: 1.3 kilometres, 2 kilometres, and 5 kilometres, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. Adding to the festive atmosphere was the cheerful presence of ErinoakKids mascot, Erinthe squirrel and the natural beauty of Centennial Park. Participants completed their runs with big smiles, proudly holding their completion certificates and capturing the moment with photos at the finish line.

Many members joined the event with the whole family like the family of Wai Ming Wong from the Markham subchapter participated across three generations. Member Huan Chen praised the event for integrating charity, fitness, and environmental protection, implementing the principles of "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings."

The success of the event was due to the dedicated efforts of Fo Guang volunteers. Early in the morning, the setup team, led by Leung Hung Lo, along with scouts and the head of the traffic team, William Wong, set up tents, arranged routes, and managed parking in the drizzle to ensure smooth proceedings. Other volunteers took their positions at 1 PM, and registration opened at 2 PM. Despite the drizzle, no one retreated; instead, they used rain gear or collected raincoats from the volunteer service station, eagerly awaiting the event.

The 2024 Toronto VEGRUN successfully promoted a healthy lifestyle and environmental awareness while caring for sick children, affirming collective effort and demonstrating that no difficulty can hinder the power of compassion.

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