Sending Clean Drinking Water Across the Globe on World Water Day
2018/03/22 Tzu Chi West Toronto 
The hygiene packs include tooth brush, tooth paste and soap, necessities that can help the families stay healthy.March 22, 1993 was designated by the United Nations to be the first annual World Water Day, an internationally-recognized day that serves as a reminder to protect this vital resource, and an opportunity to promote responsible management of global water supply.
On this year's World Water Day, twelve volunteers from Tzu Chi West Toronto gave four hours of their time to help GlobalMedic bring clean water to Syrian refugees living in Turkey and the Yemeni population suffering from a recent cholera outbreak. Having collaborated with GlobalMedic for many years, Tzu Chi volunteers were already familiar with the assembly process and jumped in with no hesitation, working with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine. Being assembled that day were packages that included a family hygiene kit—4 adult toothbrushes, 2 children’s toothbrushes, 3 tubes of toothpaste, and 4 bars of soaps—and a water purification unit, which would give recipients the ability to filter dirty water into clean drinking water.
Theresa Liao, Director of Tzu Chi West Toronto Office, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to take action on World Water Day. “Today, billions of people around the world still live without proper access to safe fresh water, especially those in war-torn countries. Although we cannot physically go to Yemen or Syria to help these people, our volunteers are sending them our love and well-wishes through long distance support.”
Volunteers form production lines so packing can be done smoothly. 
Volunteers Shu Lee and Rongqing Guo only returned from Taiwan on the previous day. Despite being tired from jet lag, the compassionate couple step up to the tasks to help others who are in need.
Volunteers separate garbage from items that can be recycled, helping to protect the environment when packing things up. 
Volunteers from Tzu Chi and GlobalMedic form two production lines, one to pack personal hygiene products and the other to package the water purification units.Tzu Chi Students Convey Jing Si Sayings through the Power of Song
The adult bilingual class impressed with their performance of “Commit to Good Deeds and Use Positive Words”.The air was abuzz with excitement at the Tzu Chi Academy in Mississauga, as students and teachers geared up for competition day. They had spent weeks rehearsing and making props, and were eager to present the fruits of their labour to their peers. Junior Kindergarten teacher Marian Huang commended the school for providing students with this opportunity to perform on stage while also incorporating educational content. Both the Senior Kindergarten and Grade 3 classes chose to perform “Please, Thank You, and I’m Sorry”. The younger class’ performance was innocent and lively with cute body movements, while the third-graders put up a more energetic and ernest act. Next, the Junior Kindergarten class—youngest in the school—sang “So Adorable” while wearing paper hats they had made themselves, showing the entire school just how adorable they were.
The first-graders had chosen “Learn to Agree, Learn to Compromise, but Don't Learn to Fight” for the competition, but ended up learning much more than just the lyrics in the process. Their teacher, Grace Li, described an incident that took place during class: “Two boys had a disagreement during break. I gently asked them what they learned from the song. I said we ‘learn to agree and compromise’, and the two children unanimously responded with ‘don't learn to fight’. Then the two of them surprised the whole class by taking the initiative to say sorry to each other.”
Fifth grade teacher Janice Ting hopes the song “I Am Blessed” can teach her students to understand how fortunate they are, to cherish what they have, and to give back to those less fortunate. To complement their performance, the class created two posters illustrating their interpretations of what it means to be happy and blessed, as well as props based on the lyrics of the song including hands, feet, and cartoon eyes. Their efforts paid off; the combination of singing, choreography, and props earned them the most enthusiastic applause of the competition.
Although the singing contest has come to an end, its positive effects will prove to be long-lasting. The process of preparing for this event has fostered a strong comraderie among the students, and the teachers have successfully harmonized the learning of humanities and Chinese language through this entertaining and educational experience.
The Senior Kindergarten class earned the Audience Choice Award with their cheerful performance. 
Ms. Ting beams with pride as she holds the posters created by her class.
Principal Peggy Lin presents the Best Performance Award to the graduating class. 2018/07/03 Helping a Domestic Violence shelter in North Toronto
Tzu Chi volunteers help clean a domestic violence shelter to provide residents a better environment. Tzu Chi North Toronto Liaison Office in Canada visits a local domestic violence shelter regularly to help sort and organize donated goods. Every 3 months, Tzu Chi volunteers also prepare 50 care packages for the domestic violence survivors at the shelter. Recently, 14 volunteers have helped clean an apartment for residents moving out of the shelter.
Delicious Sticky Rice Dumplings Become Healthy Fundraising Tool
2018/06/30 Tzu Chi West Toronto
Volunteers prepare the leaves by washing them in hot water and trimming them to the proper size.Tzu Chi West Toronto volunteers began mobilizing in mid-May to prepare for the production of thousands of rice dumplings, which would be sold to fundraise for the development of the Tzu Chi Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Humber College, as well as the expansion of the Emergency Department at the Credit Valley Hospital. Back by popular demand, the dumplings were made under strict quality control every step of the way.
Amy Lu, a Tzu Chi member, has been buying our rice dumplings year after year to share with her customers and friends, and commented that her family loves the quality ingredients and delightful flavour. Volunteer Mei Wen Hoogendoorn said that the dumplings remind her not only of the tastes of her home country, but also of Tzu Chi’s dedication towards causes that safeguard the health of our community.
More than 80 volunteers worked tirelessly to fulfill all the orders (and reorders), producing over 3,100 rice dumplings in total. Despite their fatigue, the volunteers were thrilled that the strings they used to wrap the dumplings were also connecting the hearts of their members, families, and friends for the benefit of a healthier future.
Each rice dumpling contains ingredients of a standardized weight so that the size of each cooked dumpling will be identical. 
The cooking procedure is a key success factor.
Volunteers wrap their love and blessing into the rice dumplings. 
The aroma from the cooked rice dumpling is irresistible.
Nourishing the Community & Fundraising for Charity at Starr's on the Credit
2018/06/21 Tzu Chi West Toronto
Guests praise the taste and crispiness of the spring rolls, which were deep-fried on-site.A few times a year, Tzu Chi volunteers host some type of activity or charity sale to promote vegetarianism, in the hopes of encouraging people to not only eat healthy but, by doing so, reduce their carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. Mississauga City Councillor Ron Starr has proven to be a staunch supporter, attending many Tzu Chi activities and even bringing home our vegetarian food items to share with his family.
Ron and his late wife Elaine have always been passionate about supporting charities in any way they can. Since 2005, they have hosted their annual Starr’s on the Credit fundraising event in their own backyard, donating proceeds to charities in the Peel Region. Every year, the event receives strong support from government officials and the business community, and the numbers of participants has increased year after year. Even after Elaine’s passing, Ron has carried on the tradition, continuing to share their love outwards. Institutions that have benefited from this event over the years include Interim Place, Trillium Health Partners, and the Alzheimer's Society of Peel.
On June 21, 350 guests showed up for this gathering of kindness and love to support the ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development. ErinoakKids specializes in the rehabilitation of disabled children, helping those with physical disabilities, autism, communication disorders, visual impairment, and hearing impairment.
Mississauga City Councillor Ron Starr welcomes Tzu Chi volunteers to his fundraising event. 
Guests of different backgrounds enjoyed Tzu Chi’s vegetarian food.
This is the second consecutive year that Tzu Chi West Toronto has been invited to participate as a food vendor. This year, fried spring rolls and Taiwanese-style fried rice noodles were served. Guests of all backgrounds had high praise for our food, even alongside well-known restaurants in the community. Some of the guests said they remembered us from last year and specifically came to our booth to support us. Other guests told our volunteers: “I was told I HAVE to come to your booth because your vegetarian food is delicious AND healthy!”
This year’s Tzu Chi booth also featured our humanistic missions, displaying three posters about domestic and international disaster relief. Although guests were attracted by the aroma of the food, many were astonished to learn about Tzu Chi’s international presence. Volunteers told them about our missions and disaster relief activities around the world, and guests praised both the tastiness of our vegetarian food and our efforts to bring peace and joy to those in need. Volunteers also had the opportunity to mingle with ErinoakKids staff as well as volunteers from the Alzheimer's Society of Peel, giving them Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorism as a kind gesture.
Although some say that it is difficult to ask the privileged to donate, when there is a will, there is a way. The event was attended by a group of kind-hearted people who are willing to share their blessings with others, raising $150,000 in just a few hours. Volunteers may have felt tired after the day’s work, but everyone was thrilled to have contributed to the success of the event.
Volunteers promote vegetarianism and introduce Tzu Chi’s missions to the public. 
Guests are astonished to learn about Tzu Chi’s disaster relief activities around the world.
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie supports Tzu Chi’s vegetarian booth. 
Tzu Chi’s vegetarian menu is highlighted alongside the dishes of famous local restaurants.
Tzu Chi Helps New Muslim Residents Celebrate Eid al-Fitr with Hometown Tastes
2018/06/15 Tzu Chi West Toronto
Volunteers give out donations with their utmost respect (90-degree bow) and sincere wish.Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. To ensure that our donations were appropriate for the recipients, Tzu Chi volunteers educated themselves on the significance of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr to Muslims and what they would like to eat after fasting for a month.
To bring our new Muslim acquaintances some familiar hometown tastes in their new country, Tzu Chi West Toronto volunteers prepared food packages that included almonds (to help replenish their energy quickly), honey (a main ingredient used for making sweets), sunflower oil, and dates.
On June 15, the second day of Eid al-Fitr, 60 heavy packages were delivered to the Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) for our second donation of 2018. The volunteers were greeted with a warm welcome from ACCT’s Executive Director Huda Bukhari, who commented: “Without your support, and without your coming in to provide us with assistance, we as a not-for-profit cannot do anything. So we really have to thank you.” Ms. Bukhari then introduced Tzu Chi in Arabic to the recipients.
Tzu Chi volunteers and ACCT staff help to transport the food packages to the meeting room. 
Tzu Chi volunteers put together 60 bags of food items for distribution.
Shadi Shami, ACCT’s Community Engagement Counselor, said, “It’s about love, it’s about humanity. Allah ordered us to love each other, and to feed each other, and to feel the suffering of each other so that we can help each other. The same as you are doing today, [Tzu Chi] to our Muslim clients.”
After giving out the packages with utmost respect, Tzu Chi volunteers took some time to mingle with their new Muslim friends. Volunteer David Tang said that he was very grateful for the opportunity to build a new bridge of friendship. He indicated that through their conversations, they had discovered that some residents required extra support, so Tzu Chi would arrange to provide additional assistance based on their needs. David’s main take-away from that day was recognizing how blessed he is, and how he can share his blessings with those in need.
ACCT’s Executive Director Huda Bukhari (in the middle) introduces Tzu Chi volunteers with enthusiasm. 
Shadi Shami (standing at the front), ACCT’s Community Engagement Counselor, describes Tzu Chi volunteers as their earnest friends.
By donating food items based on the recipients’ ethnic background, Tzu Chi volunteers show that we respect and care about them. 
The children found the Jing Si bookmarks very interesting.
The friendly smile of the volunteers makes new residents from the Middle East feel at ease.
Tzu Chi Academy’s Class of 2018 Express Gratitude & Joy to Their Teachers & Parents
2018/06/09 Tzu Chi West Toronto
Students brought back their bamboo bank full of savings, showing their love and compassion to help others.The Tzu Chi Academy of Mississauga celebrated the end of its 14th year with their graduation and closing ceremony on June 9, with nearly 400 teachers, students, and parents in attendance. Among the nine graduates were students who had been with the Academy since kindergarten. The teachers who had taught these students for over a decade were both delighted and reluctant to see them leave. The ceremony began with each class taking turns entering the auditorium. As they entered, each student emptied out the bamboo coin bank they had received at the beginning of the school year, the sound of the rolling coins symbolizing their compassion and love.
Once everyone was seated, the graduates, holding the hands of their parents, followed Principal Peggy Lin and their homeroom teacher Sammi Huang into the auditorium and proceeded down the aisle through the gate of blessing, showered along the way by cheers and warm wishes from the audience. On stage, special guests were invited to turn the tassels on their mortarboards. The graduates then expressed their gratitude to their parents by kneeling and serving them tea—at this point, some of the parents couldn’t help but burst into tears of joy. A video was presented, a highlight reel of the graduates’ time at the Academy that gave everyone a chance to not only reflect on how much they’ve grown over the years, but also to coo over images of their adorable younger selves.
The procession of graduates and their parents entered the auditorium following the lead of Principal Peggy Lin and their teacher Sammi Huang. 
The graduates then expressed their gratitude to their parents by kneeling and serving them tea
For their final sign language performance as students, the graduates chose the song “Gratefulness”, and had spent the last two months perfecting the moves so they could express their utmost thanks to their dedicated teachers. In return, the teachers performed the sign language song “Remember” to remind them that no matter where they go, they should cherish their life and their loved ones, and that Tzu Chi will always be their home. Other classes put on a variety of wonderful shows including rhythmic dance, short drama, Tzu Chi kung fu, and poetry, while the parents quickly used their cameras to capture every moment.
Mr. & Mrs. Swaminath, the parents of a kindergarten student, said: “You teach Mandarin, but you also teach cultural values and how to respect family. I think that’s really important. Our daughter has learned a lot and we’re really grateful for that. We’re really proud of what she’s done this year, and we look forward to her for doing many more years of Mandarin and learning this wonderful language and wonderful culture.” The parent of one of the graduates, Xiuyi Xiu, said that as she was watching the highlight reel, she felt that they had made the right decision and their efforts were not in vain. She commented that her two daughters had gained a lot over the years and would like to give back to the school to pass on their wonderful experience to other children.
The ceremony concluded with the school song “Heaven and Earth is our Large Classroom”. Students, parents, and teachers embraced one another, wishing each other well before meeting again in September. Indeed, this was not goodbye, as the graduates and their parents declared that they would be happy to return to the school as volunteers.
Special guests were invited to turn the tassels on the graduates’ mortarboard. 
The graduates performed the sign language song "Gratefulness", thanking their teachers for instilling all the knowledge in them for over ten years.
Grades 1 and 5 show their humanistic temperament of life and courtesy through “Learn to Agree, Learn to Compromise, but Do Not Learn to Fight”. 
Grades 3 and 6 students put together a powerful kung fu show.
Recital of the famous poem "Farewell" is well received by the audience.
Tzu Chi Hosts TCM Forum, Lays Groundwork for Advancement of Techniques
2018/06/10 Tzu Chi West Toronto
Professor I Hsing Chuang attentively teaches his students and selflessly shares his experience.In preparation for the Fall opening of the Tzu Chi Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Humber College, the Tzu Chi Medical Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine Canada Foundation hosted a medical forum at the West Toronto Office to provide an opportunity for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners in Eastern Canada to learn the techniques of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA).
The guest lecturer, Professor I-Hsing Chuang, has had years of intensive training in both neurosurgery and alternative medicine from Germany and Austria. After learning Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA), Dr. Chuang incorporated the technique into his clinical practice, and in the ten years since, has treated over 20,000 cases with his unique combined understanding of Western neuroanatomy and the Chinese meridian system. Dr. Chuang has already been invited to teach his unique YNSA treatment module three times in Vancouver, where his attentiveness and willingness to share his experience were well received by participants. This was Dr. Chuang’s first lecture in Eastern Canada, and he specifically included the treatment for problems regarding internal organs.
Dr. Michael Chung delivers his welcome speech. 
Professor Chuang gave his first lecture the day after he arrived in Toronto, making full use of his tight schedule.
To maximize teaching efficiency within the four days, Dr. Michael Chung, Vice CEO of Medical Mission for Tzu Chi Foundation Canada and Chief Convenor of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) Canada, invited five fellow TIMA doctors from Vancouver as teaching assistants. Each lecture was followed by small group discussions and practice of YNSA techniques under the supervision of the teaching assistants.
Dr. Jackie Wu said that his greatest satisfaction would be to make use of the techniques he learned this time to relieve the pain of his patients as soon as possible. Dr. David Kuo said: “I learned YNSA from Professor Chuang a few years ago and have since applied it to my patients with significant effect. So no matter how busy I am, I have to attend this lecture so that I can advance to the next level.”
Before concluding the forum, Dr. Chuang reminded all doctors and students to treat their patients with sincere care, using relieving the suffering of their patients to be their driving force for improvement. Everyone felt that the four days passed by too quickly, and looked forward to another session in the near future so that Tzu Chi could build a strong team of TIMA Canada doctors in the east coast.
Teaching Assistant Dr. Sherry Liu pinpoints the proper meridian points. 
Lectures are followed by practical small group exercises to enhance the learning experience.
Dr. Chuang uses a replica to show the meridian points. 
Volunteers provide delicious vegetarian meals every day so that both doctors and participants can fully replenish their energy
The four-day forum ended with a group of happy campers.
Ten Years On, Tzu Chi Continues to Care for the Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens
2018/05/20 Tzu Chi West Toronto 
73 volunteers, including students and parents from the Tzu Chi Academy of Mississauga, gathered at the entrance of the garden early in the morning to spruce things up. The Greater Toronto Area suffered squally winds in early May this year. Roofs and fences of many houses were destroyed, and damaged power lines caused outages and chaos on the roads. At the Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens located in the southwestern part of Mississauga along the shores of Lake Ontario, many 100-year-old trees could not withstand the brutal gusts of wind. Having helped to preserve the gardens for the past 10 years, Tzu Chi West Toronto was devastated to learn that plants and trees at the gardens had been destroyed.
On May 20, the Sunday of the Victoria Day long weekend, 73 volunteers, including students and parents from the Tzu Chi Academy of Mississauga, gathered at the entrance of the garden early in the morning to spruce things up. They divided and conquered, with one group picking up the garbage and separating them from recyclables such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans, and another group weeding from flower beds.
Volunteer David Tang leads a stretching exercise to prevent injury.Many residents came out to the garden that day to enjoy the nice weather; when they saw Tzu Chi volunteers hard at work to preserve their public garden, they showed their gratitude with smiles and warm greetings. Park Administrator Para Kanp also greeted the volunteers with enthusiasm. “I worked at this garden ten years ago when you adopted it, and then I was transferred to other parks. I just returned this year. I always remember you.” Volunteer Grace Yang, who has been actively participating at cleaning up the garden in the past ten years, was as excited to see Para, saying “I remember you too!”
The mission was accomplished in only two hours, removing tons of discarded materials. David Culham, a long-time volunteer serving at the garden, said: "It's incredible! You have completed at least a week of work for me." He also commended Tzu Chi for taking the opportunity to educate the next generation. Every time he would see generations of Tzu Chi volunteers working together to protect the earth and preserve our environment.
Among the volunteers were a group of high school students who were participating for the first time. They felt that bending down to remove garbage and weeds was tough, but ultimately meaningful work.
The importance of this mission is to remind us of how vulnerable we are to the natural and man-made damages to our environment. All of us should do our part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
A father and son from the Tzu Chi Academy of Mississauga work together to remove weeds. 
Volunteers pick up and sort waste along the water
A happy reunion after 10 years. (L-R: Para Kanp, Grace Yang, and David Culham) 
These high school students—all first-time volunteers— work hard to accomplish the mission.
Parents leading by example, showing their children how the tasks should be done.
Tzu Chi West Toronto Celebrated 15th Anniversary at the Triple Celebration in May
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.
