On January 17, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted its 2025 Year-End Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Garden Banquet & Convention Centre, recognizing the unwavering dedication of long-serving volunteers. More than 500 participants—including monastics, volunteers and their families, and members of the executive committee of the Buddha’s Light International Association Toronto Chapter—gathered in a warm and joyful atmosphere to reflect on the past year of Dharma propagation and to renew shared aspirations for the year ahead.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, describing service as “a vitamin for life.” She shared that joyful service nourishes both body and mind, benefiting oneself while bringing warmth and support to others—an essential expression of Humanistic Buddhism. Referencing Fo Guang Shan Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year message, “Harmony & Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success,” the Abbess emphasized that true harmony is cultivated through good affinities, where everyone advances together. She also extended special thanks to outgoing BLIA Toronto Chapter President Mabel Lam for more than seven years of dedicated leadership and service.

Newly elected BLIA Toronto Chapter President Kevin Cao shared Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching that “keeping busy is nutritious,” encouraging volunteers to remain active in service as a way of caring for both physical and mental well-being, allowing giving to become a sustaining force in daily life.

The evening began with festive drumbeats by the Lion and Dragon Dance Team, followed by musical offerings expressing appreciation to volunteers. A vegetarian banquet was accompanied by Humanistic Buddhist songs and a fundraising raffle in support of the BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division’s participation in an international youth conference this July.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of 49 volunteers for long-term service. Amy Gao,representing the 10-year award recipients, shared that the spirit of volunteering lies in “Be willing to act, remain steadfast in action, and fear only inaction.” Martyn Knowles, speaking on behalf of the 15-year recipients, reflected that through service he has come to realize that “the more one gives, the more one gains.” Representing the 20-year award recipients, Tom Ly spoke of the growth, responsibility, and sense of mission cultivated through two decades of service. The Abbess commended Tom Ly and his wife for their long-standing leadership of the Lion and Dragon Dance Team, noting their contributions to youth development and outreach to seniors’ residences, universities, and charitable organizations. Representing the 25-year award recipients, Sue Hutchinson shared that her enduring commitment stems from deep faith and karmic affinities, viewing service as the continuation of long-held vows and aspirations.

The program concluded with a choral offering led by the Abbess and monastics, followed by light-offering prayers. Together, participants dedicated merits and offered heartfelt wishes for a harmonious, joyful, and auspicious New Year.