On December 16th, 2023, the BLIA Toronto Da Tzu 1st, 2nd, and 3rd subchapters co-hosted their 2023 Annual General Meeting and Year-end Gathering at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Over 150 members joined in this festive event, accompanied by family members and friends.

The meeting was graced by the presence of Venerable Ru Zhong, the Superintendent of the FGS Temple of Toronto, Venerable Man Long, the Monastic Advisor of Da Tzu Subchapters, Mabel Lam, President of the BLIA Toronto Chapter, and Vice President Kim Chan.

Each subchapter presented the annual affairs and financial reports of 2023 during the meeting. These reports highlighted a diverse range of independently organized or collaborative activities. Guided by the principle of serving the public, these initiatives played a proactive role in making a significant impact and yielded fruitful results.

Key topics discussed included the upcoming Lunar New Year event, the Vege Plan A,and the Buddhism Exam. A motion proposed by Aiqing Liu, the president of the DaTzu 1st subchapter, introduced the "Buddha Light Spiritual Care Group" to all members.

The speeches from special guests fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, resonating with the theme of "We Welcome You." Venerable Ru Zhong emphasized the Venerable Master Hsing Yun's concept of the "Four Virtues": giving, speaking with kind words, conducting oneself for the benefit of others, and adapting oneself to others.

Mabel Lam warmly greeted everyone, expressing her joy at gathering with fellow BLIA members. She encouraged members to embody the spirit of selflessness and practice it in themselves and their immediate surroundings. Lam urged the active practice of Master Hsing Yun's "Five Harmonies" concept, promoting mutual respect, tolerance, and assistance. She also emphasized the importance of actively implementing the theme of "Coexistence and Coprosperity" and the major resolutions of the 2023 Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) General Conference.

Venerable Man Long concluded the meeting with an affectionate declaration, "We Welcome You," highlighting that FGS Toronto is a spiritual home and a gift from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, providing faith and spiritual refuge to all.

The Joint AGM concluded harmoniously with the BLIA Anthem. Participants enjoyed a dinner featuring exquisite vegetarian food prepared by the temple and subchapters, and the evening continued with interactive activities andentertainment.