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.
Under the leadership of Venerable Yong Kang, five BLIA members personally delivered essential food items, including rice, noodles, and canned goods, and participated in the organization and packing of supplies. The initiative came shortly after Venerable Yong Kang concluded the “Ch’an Heart Cooking” course, continuing her efforts to embody and promote the values of Humanistic Buddhism through acts of compassion and service.
In the afternoon, Lee Reynolds, Manager of the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, welcomed the BLIA delegation with a tour ofthe facility and an introduction to the food bank’s daily operations. Reynolds explained that while most donations are provided by corporate and community partners, staples such as milk and eggs remain in short supply and often need to be purchased. She also noted that food items are stored according toexpiration dates to ensure safety, and registered households may receive monthly allocations proportionate to their family size.
Reynolds expressed appreciation for the involvement of BLIA members, noting that the food bank currently depends onmore than 40 long-term volunteers. She welcomed the continued participation of community organizations, which help strengthen volunteer support and enhance service delivery.
Venerable Yong Kang extended her gratitude to the food bank for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing that charitable giving not only provides material aid but also conveys heartfelt compassion and blessings. The initiative highlighted the unity and civic spirit of BLIA’s Richmond Hill subchapters, in alignment with Fo Guang Shan’s mission to serve society through altruistic action.
As a gesture of goodwill, Venerable Yong Kang invited all food bank staff to attend the upcoming Buddha’s Light Food Fair on June 22.To conclude the visit, BLIA members shared handmade vegetarian snacks, including crispy nut boats and plant-based fish skin treats, adding warmth and joy to the day while further promoting the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism.