Buddha’s Light International Association Young Adult Division Toronto (BLIA YAD Toronto) held an Adopt-a-Park cleanup at Hunter’s Green Park on July 25, joined by interns from Fo Guang University in Taiwan. Through hands-on environmental service, the young volunteers helped care for a community green space while putting the Humanistic Buddhist values of social responsibility and environmental stewardship into practice.

Adopt-a-Park programs in Canadian cities encourage community organizations, businesses and volunteers to take an active role in maintaining public parks. Municipalities generally provide basic supplies such as gloves and garbage bags, while participating groups contribute their time and effort to help keep shared spaces clean, safe and welcoming. The initiative also promotes civic participation, environmental awareness and stronger connections within the community.

Led by Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the volunteers worked in teams along park trails, lawns, wooded areas and the surroundings of a pedestrian underpass. Using litter pickers, gloves and garbage bags, they collected cigarette butts, plastic bottles, discarded clothing and other human-made waste. Several residents thanked the group and expressed appreciation for their contribution to the neighbourhood.

Fo Guang University intern Vera Wang, taking part in a Canadian park cleanup for the first time, noted that the park was already relatively well maintained. Volunteers had to observe the grass carefully to find small items that did not belong in the natural environment. She said the experience reminded her that clean public spaces depend on everyone’s awareness and participation.

Fellow intern Brett Chen said that working for an extended period under the summer sun was hot and tiring, but also meaningful and rewarding. The experience deepened his appreciation for clean surroundings and strengthened his understanding of the importance of community service and environmental protection.

BLIA YAD Toronto hopes that continued participation in Adopt-a-Park activities will foster a stronger sense of responsibility among young people to care for their communities and the planet. Through practical service, the group seeks to embody the Three Acts of Goodness—do good deeds, speak good words and think good thoughts—while demonstrating the positive role youth can play in public service and environmental sustainability.