On April 5, 2025, six members andleaders of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) participated in the “CN Tower Climb for Nature,” a charity event organized by WWF-Canada (World Wildlife Fund Canada). Through this physically demanding challenge, the YAD team demonstrated their dedication to environmental protection and their commitment to embodying the Humanistic Buddhist values of compassion, responsibility, and active social engagement.

The event challenged participants to climb 1,776 steps, the equivalent of 144 floors, to reach the top of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower. For the YAD team, the climb was not only a test of physical endurance and mental resilience but also a journey of mindfulness, discipline, and teamwork.

Representing the YAD were PresidentJoe Li, Vice President Yifei Wang, Secretary Kate Le, and members Tom Tao, Jenny Fang, and Kadison Yang. All six successfully completed the climb, with Secretary Kate Le achieving a notable time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds.

President Joe Li shared that the motivation behind joining the climb extended beyond fundraising. “This was more than just a physical challenge,” he said. “It was an opportunity to strengthen our team, step outside our comfort zones, and contribute meaningfully to the protection of our planet.”

Team member Tom Tao likened the climb to a form of meditative concentration. “When your breathing and steps fall into rhythm, you begin to move past distractions and fatigue. A sense of peaceand clarity emerges, even amid physical strain,” he reflected, highlighting the spiritual depth found in the experience.

In addition to completing the climb, the team successfully raised $831 CAD in support of WWF-Canada’s efforts to protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats. Half of the donations were contributed by Dhrama friends and family, while the remaining support came frommembers of the BLIA Toronto Chapter, demonstrating the community’s strongencouragement for youth-led charitable initiatives.

The YAD expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of the Buddha’s Light community. This collaborative effort not only strengthened their commitment to environmental causes but also reflected the compassionate and service-oriented spirit of Humanistic Buddhism, turning aspiration into action, and using youthful energy to bring light and care to the world.

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