On February 28, youth members from Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, together with the Temple’s Lion and Dragon Dance Team, visited Westminster Court Senior Apartments to host a Lunar New Year celebrationfor residents. Through auspicious lion dance performances, guzheng music, a screening of The Life of the Buddha, and a vegetarian afternoon tea, the group shared festive joy and companionship with the community. The event drew 55 residents, including a 101-year-old senior whojoined the gathering and enjoyed the warm celebration amid heartfelt New Year blessings.

Event coordinator Wenda Lai, librarian of theTemple, noted that the annual New Year gathering represents more than a performance or tea reception—it reflects a long-standing commitment of care and companionship. Quoting the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun that “Buddhism should reach out,” she emphasized that visiting and caring for seniors in the community is a meaningful way to put Humanistic Buddhism into practice in daily life.

The event was organized by 12 Buddha’s Light youth members who worked collaboratively to prepare the program. During the gathering, the youths also visited each table to chat with residents, learning about their lives and listening to their stories, sharing warmth and friendship that were deeply appreciated by participants.

The program opened with a guzheng performance by the youth, featuring Western classical melodies that resonated with the audience—many residents softly sang along. The Lion and Dragon Dance Team then presented the traditional “Auspicious Lion” performance. When the host invited residents to try a dragon dance experience, many eagerly raised their hands and quickly formed a team, filling the hall with laughter and festive energy.

Volunteers from the Temple also prepared a thoughtful vegetarian afternoon tea. Among the offerings were handmade red velvet flower cookies, flower-shaped rice crackers, pandan cakes, and freshly made vegetarian sushi prepared by volunteer Judy, who began her work at 4 a.m. that morning. The delicately prepared dishes were warmly praised by residents.

Participants also watched The Life of the Buddha, promoting the spirit of “learning and practicing the Dharma.” Youth volunteers further shared the Temple’s latest quarterly magazine Insight, which many residents were delighted to take home for reading.

First-time volunteer Andrian shared that he felt grateful to witness everyone working together to make the event a success. New member Brian added that the experience helped him better understand the spirit and friendship within the Buddha’s Light youth community.

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