Eight Fo Guang Shan Volunteers Honored at the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards

May 9, 2024

Eight dedicated volunteers from the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto were honoured at the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards ceremony, held at the Mississauga Convention Centre. The ceremony, which took place on the evening of May 9th, saw Ontario MPP Rudy Cuzzetto and Mark Pelayo, Director ofthe Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, personally recognizing each volunteer with badges and certificates for their outstanding commitment and dedication.

The 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recognized a total of 6,650 volunteers from 1,450 organizations, including 642 youth under the age of 25, across 46 sessions from April to July. Premier Doug Ford conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to all volunteers through a video message, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to improving the quality of life in Ontario.

The honoured Fo Guang Shan volunteers attended the ceremony with their friends and family. Venerable Ruzhong, the Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, represented the temple and expressed gratitude for their longstanding dedication and support. The eight honoured volunteers, Wai Ming Wong, 30 years with the chanting team; Christina Ng, 25 years with the chanting team and Water Drop Teahouse; May Yuan, 25 years with the flower arranging team; Kam Wan Li, 20 years at the Fo Guang Bookstore; Lily Pang, 20 years with the Fo Guang Dragon and Lion Dance team; Jimmy Chan, 5 years with the general affairs team; Kiana Yue, active in the Fo Guang Dragon and Lion Dance team and Fo Guang Scouts since childhood; and Angel Hsieh, youth volunteer leading Buddha’s Light English Children's Dharma Class. In sharing their perspectives, all eight volunteers reiterated the selfless and voluntary nature of volunteering, highlighting their individual dedication and deep gratitude for the chance to make a positive difference in the community.

These volunteers exemplify the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s value of giving and dedication that enhances community life, embodying the spirit of Fo Guang Shan.

Eight Fo Guang Shan volunteers from Toronto were honoured at the 2024 Ontario Volunteer ServiceAwards ceremony held at the Mississauga Convention Centre on May 9th. They were individually recognized and awarded badges and certificates by Ontario MPP Rudy Cuzzetto and Mark Pelayo, Director of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. Venerable Ruzhong, representing Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, participated in the ceremony and offered support to the volunteers.
The award recipients, from left to right: Fo Guang Youth Angel Hsieh, May Yuan, Jimmy Chan, Lily Pang, Venerable Ruzhong, Wai Ming Wong, Kam Wan Li, Christina Ng, and Fo Guang Youth Kiana Yue.
Jimmy Chan and Lily Pang received their awards together. Badges were presented by Ontario MPP Rudy Cuzzetto (left) and Mark Pelayo, Director of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
FoGuang Youth Angel Hsieh, who leads the Buddha’s Light English Children's Dharma class, was honoured at the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards ceremony held at the Mississauga Convention Centre on the evening of May 9th. Badges were presented by Ontario MPP Rudy Cuzzetto (left) and Mark Pelayo, Director ofthe Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (right).
Wai Ming Wong, who has devoted 30 years to the altar team at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, was honoured at the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards ceremony held at the Mississauga Convention Centre on the evening of May 9th. She joyfully displayed her "Ontario Volunteer Service Award" certificate.