Community Crime Awareness Day in Toronto: Fo Guang Shan Toronto Promotes Humanistic Buddhism
October 1, 2023
On October 1st, thousands of people gathered at Celebration Square in Mississauga to celebrate the annual "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." Venerable Zhi Guan, representing Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association, attended the event. The opening ceremony was attended by senators, members of parliament, provincial and municipal representatives, the head of Peel Regional Police, and the head of the Fire Department. The Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team was invited again, adding an exciting celebratory atmosphere to the event with their spectacular performance.
The 22nd Community Crime Awareness Day celebrated the theme of "Honoring Elders." Apart from multicultural dance performances and musical presentations reflecting Canada's diversity, a lantern festival was organized. Nearly 2,000 lanterns were distributed, and at 6:15 PM, participants collectively lit the lanterns. The event included presentations of the police mascot panda plushies and a children's playground.
Various community organizations, businesses, and police and fire department showcased their services at their own booths. The police and fire departments exhibited their vehicles, specialized equipment, and conducted demonstrations like firefighting and high-altitude rappelling, informing the public about community safety and law enforcement efforts.
Police officers interacted warmly with the public, educating them about their daily duties, community security measures, and safety initiatives. Senator Victor Oh and Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah participated boosting community engagement.
At the booth of BLIA Toronto, members from Mississauga first, second, third, and fourth subchapters and Da Tzu first, second, and third subchapters took turns to distribute materials. From 11am in the morning, they handed out Buddhist booklets, information about temples, courses at the Humanistic Buddhism Courses, and materials about Fo Guang Shan's compassionate outreach, introducing and promoting Humanistic Buddhism to the public. This effort aimed to connect more people with Fo Guang Shan, guiding them to learn and understand Buddhist wisdom.
BLIA Toronto subchapter and the Buddha's Light International Association collaborated at the "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." Venerable Zhi Guan represented Fo Guang Shan Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association, attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with senators, members of parliament, provincial and municipal representatives, the head of Peel Regional Police, and the head of the Fire Department. (Photographed by Harry Ho)
Fo Guang Shan Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association collaborated at the "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." The Fo Guang Shan Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe were invited to perform the "Cai Qing (plucking the greens)" opening act, adding excitement and energy to the event. (Photographed by Harry Ho)
Fo Guang Shan Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association collaborated at the "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." The Fo Guang Shan Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe performed the opening act, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the event. (Photographed by Harry Ho)
Fo Guang Shan Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association collaborated at the "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." Ven. Zhi Guan and Aiqing Liu, President of the Da Ci First subchapter, introduced Fo Guang Shan and the Buddha's Light International Association to the community residents. (Photographed by Tracy Liu)
Fo Guang Shan Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association collaborated at the "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." Ven. Zhi Guan introduced the Humanistic Buddhism courses to the community residents. (Photographed by Tracy Liu)
Fo Guang Shan Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association collaborated at the "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." The outstanding performance of the Fo Guang Shan Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe received commendation from Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah. The chief passed his hat to the youngest member of the team as a gesture of encouragement. (Photographed by Mathew Ma)
Fo Guang Shan Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association collaborated at the "Peel District Community Crime Awareness Day." One of the interactive display booths where the police and the community engaged with each other. (Photographed by Harry Ho)
