On May 31, 2025, the English Subchapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter hosted its first life talk at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Titled “Humanistic Parenting: A Humanistic Buddhist Approach to Early Childhood Education,” the event was led by Subchapter President Tyrie Norris and featured keynote speaker Patrick Mahoney, a veteran registered nurse and BLIA member. More than 20 attendees joined the seminar, which explored how the principles of Humanistic Buddhism can guide early childhood development and family education.

The dragon and lion dance is more than just a lively performance, it is a vibrant expression of Chinese culture and heritage. On May 30, over 40 members of the Fo Guang Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team, led by instructor Tom Ly, performed at the Culture Centre of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto.

On May 28, members of the First, Second, and Third Subchapters of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter in Richmond Hill jointly launched the “Spring Action for Food Bank” initiative. This charitable effort saw BLIA members volunteer at the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, where they helped sort and package donated goods to support local families in need.

On May 27, religious leaders from across the community gathered for the “Blessed in Unity: Peel Reception Centre Interfaith Blessing Ceremony,” marking the official opening of the Peel Refugee Reception Centre and its dedicated multi-faith prayer space. Co-hosted by the Region of Peel and the Interfaith Council of Peel (ICP), the event welcomed over 30 participants from government, community, and faith-based organizations.

On the afternoon of May 25, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Library held its annual Volunteer Training and Welcome Gathering in the Meditation Hall. The event was led by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan and Venerable Zhi Guan, and attended by Library Director Wenda Lai along with 30 dedicated volunteers representing the library teams from the Temple in Mississauga, the Buddha’s Light Centre in Markham, and the Waterloo branch.

On May 24, following a five-year hiatus, the Greater Toronto Area’s largest Buddhist celebration—the Vesak Festival: Buddha’s Birthday Celebration—returned in full grandeur to Mississauga Celebration Square. The event drew nearly 10,000 attendees in a vibrant celebration of spiritual heritage, cultural diversity, and communal harmony.