On December 4th , the election of Board of Directors of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter took place at Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto. Members of BLIA were eager to engage in the demographic process, either in-person or through advanced mail-in votes. As per vote count, a total of 29 Directors were elected to serve on the committee of Board of Directors of BLIA of Toronto Chapter. Congratulations to the incumbent President, Mabel Lam and Vice President, Kevin Cao, as well as Directors Kim Chan, and Rachel Fan for their re-election as testaments of their services.

Besides the election, the meeting was packed with actions that are vital to maintaining the ongoing efforts of propagating Humanistic Buddhism. Notably, the attendees witnessed the President Charter of all subchapters affiliated to BLIA of Toronto. Following the working progress and financial reports, a general discussion proposal was held for future initiatives and projects.

The serving BLIA of Toronto President and the designated meeting Chair, Mabel Lam, extended her gratitude for the support provided by the Temple community. If it was not for the guidance and counsels of the Advising Monastic, Venerable Chueh Fan, as Ms. Lam pointed out, the smooth transition from in-person functions to virtual events would not be possible. She pledged that BLIA of Toronto will carry on offering innovative opportunities for members to engage and learn from.

The meeting was also a gathering to celebrate and recognize the work of exceptional individuals who have been volunteering and serving the BLIA for years. On behalf of BLIA World Headquarters, Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, presented the prestigious Lay Dharma Lecturer certification to Sue Hutchison. Moreover, the formal letter of appointment of BLIA of Toronto Adviser is presented to Glenn Chan. Last, but certainly not least, certificates and prizes were awarded to participants of the 2022 Global Buddhism Exam, attendees of the 2022 Virtual BLIA World Conference, and leaders of the 6th Meadowvale Scouts.

In Venerable Chueh Fan’s remarks, she compared the ten new inductees of BLIA of Toronto’s Board of Directors to flourishing branches of an old tree. The leaders, old and new, are to work, lead, and grow together with determination under the common objective to promote Humanistic Buddhism.

The guest of honor, BLIA Eastern North America Deputy Secretary-General, Venerable Yong Ku, also delivered a congratulatory message to the newly elected Board of Directors. She truly hoped that everyone would stand united to spread Humanistic Buddhism together as a team in the post-pandemic period. Accomplishing such mission is like wading cross a river, rock by rock. Steady advances depends on collaborative efforts every step of the way, just as how many newer members of the Temple community had come to know and engaged in FGS and BLIA activities online during the course of the pandemic.

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