On the morning of June 7, over 200 participants gathered at Lake Aquitaine Park in Mississauga for the 2025 “North America VegRun – Toronto VEGRUN.” Co-hosted by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, the event promoted healthy living, environmental sustainability, and compassion through vegetarianism.

Now in its third year supporting ErinoakKids, Ontario’s largest children’s treatment centre, this year’s VEGRUN aims to raise CAD$10,000 to fund rehabilitation programs and family services for children with special needs.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang ShanTemple of Toronto, encouraged attendees to adopt plant-based, low-carbon life styles for the benefit of both personal health and the planet. Emphasizing the campaign’s slogan —“Run for the Earth, for Health, for Charity,” she affirmed that VEGRUN would inspire lasting change rooted in kindness and sustainability.

Representing ErinoakKids, Director of Development Renae Addis and Manager Fiona D’silva-Coelho attended the event and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the continued generosity of the Buddha’s Light community. “The support raised here today will help more children movetoward brighter, healthier futures,” they said.

Before the VegRun began, Manager Fiona and theErinoakKids squirrel mascot led participants in a lively warm-up session. Runners then chose between 2-kilometre and 5-kilometre routes. The event drew a diverse crowd, including Venerables, BLIA members from 23 subchapters across the Greater Toronto Area, BLIA Toronto Youth, 6th Meadowvale Scouts, students from the Fo Guang Shan Chinese School, and members of the local community. Many families participated with both seniors and young children. Some subchapters even chartered buses to attend, demonstrating strong support for the cause. A playful flock of Canada geese briefly joined the run, delighting participants with a touch of whimsy.

Following the race, volunteers organized interactive relay games and family-friendly activities, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

“VEGRUN has united our community in compassion and action since 2021,” said Kevin Cao, event coordinator and Vice President of BLIA Toronto. “It’s more than a run—it’s a step toward a more loving, sustainable world.”

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