2018/05/13 Tzu Chi West Toronto 
Government officials enjoy a cup of Chinese tea before proceeding to the ceremonyThe second Sunday of May is a very special day for Tzu Chi, as there are three meaningful occasions that fall on that day: Mother's Day, Buddha Day, and Tzu Chi Day. Tzu Chi volunteers celebrate this special day simultaneously around the world. At the West Toronto Office, a birthday cake was provided to celebrate their 15th anniversary as well, with over 200 guests and members in attendance.
Michael Chuang, Vice CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, said “Canada is a multicultural society. We immigrated to Canada, bringing with us Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s compassionate wishes to build friendship with the local community. As we enter the 53rd year of Tzu Chi Foundation and the 15th year from the establishment of the West Toronto Office, we want to groom more volunteers and expand Tzu Chi’s outreach.” Catherine Hsu, Director General of Toronto’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, also expressed her affirmation of the contributions of Tzu Chi volunteers. “I wish that Tzu Chi will continue to bring Taiwan’s great love to every corner of the world in the next 15 years, 50 years, 100 years and 150 years.” Yvan Baker, MPP of Etobicoke Centre, said “On behalf of the Ontario government, on behalf of our community, I would like to express my gratitude to you for making the community a better and closer place.”
Volunteers lead the ceremony by presenting lights, water and flowers to the Buddha.In the past, the way to express one’s reverence for the Buddha was to prostrate oneself with one’s head at the Buddha's feet and touching them with one’s hands. During the ceremony, we do this symbolically by bowing and dipping our fingers in the water as if to touch the Buddha's feet, and then putting our palms together in reverence. The fragrance of the flower symbolizes the aroma of the Buddha's virtue, as we wish for the Buddha to bless us with purified hearts. Aboriginal and Muslim friends who attended the ceremony participated regardless of their religion and ethnicity. Volunteer Shu Li, grateful to live in a happy and peaceful environment, expressed sincere repentance and pledged to help others.
Aboriginal friend (middle) travel from afar early in the morning to attend the ceremony. 
Muslim friend Shadi and his family show there is no religious barrier by participating sincerely at the Buddha bathing ceremony.
Grandparents show their grandchildren how to dip their fingers in the water.
Seniors on wheelchairs are accompanied by their family.
Senior volunteer grandpa Cheng sincerely pray to Buddha despite his suffering from a fall a few days before the event. 
Happy 15th Anniversary to the Tzu Chi West Toronto Office.
Mother’s Day signifies unconditional love. To encourage everyone to love all mankind and to protect our mother earth, we invited Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Dr. Chang to conduct a talk on what to eat and what not to eat during the four seasons. Guests then proceeded to the lunch room where Tzu Chi volunteers offered many tasteful vegetarian delicacies, or to the tea room where volunteers served them with a good cup of Chinese tea.
Dr. Chang to provides free consultation after his talk. 
Families enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch.
Volunteer Lily Chan introduce Tzu Chi’s community services and artwork created by inmates of the Detention Centre. 
Volunteers give out Chinese birthday buns to the guests before they leave.