On March 9th, the North York 1 and 2 subchapters of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto came together to organize a heart warming tea gathering. Held at the Markham Buddha's Light Centre, the event was dedicated to expressing gratitude to the devoted volunteers who assisted the 'Flowers Bloom in the New Year' booth during the Lunar Chinese New Year Fair at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Despite the weather being typical of early spring, overcast with occasional light rain, the gathering turnout with more than 20 volunteers in attendance. 

Grace Wu, President of the subchapter expressed gratitude to the volunteers who tirelessly supported the 'Flowers Bloom in the New Year' booth over three consecutive days.

Special recognition was also given to teacher Lillian Li for her leadership in teaching flower arrangements, which played a crucial role in the booth's success. Following Wu's words of appreciation, attendees were invited to share their own experiences.

Lillian shared her experience of finding Fo Guang Shan of Toronto after immigrating, recalling initial challenges due to poor sense of direction, and the fear of navigating unfamiliar roads without GPS. Despite a three-hour drive home from the temple, she found solace in having a bowl of noodles at the Water Drop Teahouse and reading Buddhist scriptures, which rejuvenated her spirit and healed her body and mind. Over the years, she has formed a close affinity with the Fo Guang members and is committed to assisting the temple and the BLIA to the best of her abilities.

Estella Wong shared her memories, recalling that her whole family visited Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung in 1972 when there was only the Great Compassion Hall. She also recalled winning the grand prize at the Fo Guang Food Fair in 2002, which included a round-trip ticket from Toronto to Hong Kong and free accommodation, allowing her to visit the headquarters in Taiwan in 2003. She feels blessed to have received received at the Fo Guang Shan of Toronto and felt honoured to be the temple’s volunteer.

A new volunteer, Loan Tran, who recently joined the BLIA, mentioned that she had previously taken refuge and observe precepts but lacked knowledge of Buddhist etiquette. She expressed her passion to learn Buddhist etiquette thoroughly.

Betty, a student of the flower arrangement class, who has been in Canada for 40 years, felt delighted to participate in volunteering for the ‘Flowers Bloom in the New Year’ booth and had a wonderful experience. She pledged further involvement in the future.

Venerable Yung Kang, the guiding monastic of the subchapter, emphasized the importance of serving others selflessly. Ven. Yung Kang also introduced the FGS Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Courses, the "Chan-Inspired Cuisine" class, that she will be teaching on Fridays. The class aimed at integrating a spiritual practice into everyday life.

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude towards Venerable Yung Kang for her inspiring words, leaving volunteers feeling uplifted and motivated to continue their contributions to the community.