Upholding Fo Guang Shan’s objective of benefiting society through charitable service, the BLIA Toronto English Subchapter and the English Children’s Dharma Class once again joined hands this year to support The Shoebox Project for Women. Ahead of Mother’s Day, a heartwarming parent-child box decorating activity was held on May 3, where families transformed simple shoeboxes into colorful gifts filled with warmth, care, and heartfelt blessings.

Under the dedicated leadership of English Subchapter Vice-president Juyenty Lim and her family, temple members and supporters responded enthusiastically, donating toiletries, snacks, personal care products, and over-the-counter essentials. The goal was reached ahead of schedule, with a total of 32 beautifully prepared shoeboxes and additional supplies collected for women’s shelters across the Peel Region, reflecting the compassion and unity of the Toronto Buddha’s Light community.

To deepen parents’ understanding of the importance of faith-based children’s education, English Children’s Dharma Class teacher Angel Hsieh shared a presentation titled “Fo Guang Shan 60 Years of Passing the Lamp Honoring a 100-Year Legacy.” Beginning with Fo Guang Shan Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s childhood devotion to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, she introduced the spirit of fearless compassion and selfless giving that guided the Master throughout decades of Dharma propagation. Through the story of “Guanyin’s Mother,” she also encouraged families to practice filial piety and aspire to “become Guanyin” by embodying compassion and wisdom in daily life.

During the decorating session, young “little bodhisattvas,” with the support of their parents, joyfully transformed ordinary boxes into creative gift packages, experiencing firsthand the meaning and joy of giving.

At the conclusion of the event, Social and Education Director, Venerable Ru An, reminded participants that what was being shared was not only material support, but also blessings of compassion, hope, and encouragement for women facing hardship. She further emphasized the spirit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Three Acts of Goodness movement, encouraging everyone to cultivate kindness in body, speech, and mind, and to bring truth, goodness, and beauty into the world.

On May 4, BLIA Toronto Board Director Martyn Knowles and Vice-president Juyenty Lim delivered the donations to a Shoebox Project drop-off location in Mississauga. Representatives of The Shoebox Project for Women expressed heartfelt appreciation, noting that the carefully decorated boxes carried an especially personal and uplifting touch for each recipient.

‍