The Life News Agency
July 10, 2023

The Global VegRun has garnered a tremendous response from all over the world. This year, in the beautiful city of Toronto, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) of Toronto proudly organized the "2023 Toronto VEGRUN" at Centennial Park on Saturday, June 24th. 231 participants from the Buddha’s Light community embraced nature through the run by joining hands to create a green, healthy, and harmonious future. Participating in VEGRUN not only contributed to the protection of the environment and reducing global warming by promoting vegetarianism but also through their generosity to give back to society.  

The "2023 Toronto VEGRUN" event was a resounding success, raising a total of CAD $12,280.00, which was fully donated to ERINOAK Kids, the largest children's treatment center in Ontario. This act of kindness is an example of the profound impact that collective efforts can have on the lives of those in need.

“VegRun” is the abbreviation of the vegan run and vegetarian run, the full name of the event is titled “Veg-revival Virtual Community Run.” Veg-Revival represents awakening to restore vitality. This annual event promotes vegetarianism while advocating for green initiatives to protect the environment.

Despite the recent rainfall, the spirits of everyone participating in the "2023 Toronto VEGRUN" could not be dampened. Volunteers took their positions from the early hours of 7 a.m. Even though the rain persisted as the registration for the run opened at 8:30 a.m., all the participants remained enthusiastic and determined.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan leading the walk (Photo by Henry Chen)

At 9:30 a.m., VEGRUN officially commenced and the rain miraculously stopped. Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, welcomed and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for braving the elements to participate in and support the event. She reminded everyone to understand that VEGRUN aims to promote environmental conservation and vegetarianism.   She also hopes to spread the message of a healthy lifestyle to more people while emphasizing the importance of environmental and mental well-being. By doing so, everyone can contribute to the sustainable development of planet Earth.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan welcomed and expressed gratitude to everyone for braving the elements to participate in and support the event. (Photo by Henry Chen)

Mr. Kevin Cao, the Vice President of BLIA Toronto and the organizer of the 2023 Toronto VEGRUN extended his gratitude for the enthusiastic support of the Buddha’s Light community. He acknowledged that despite the persistent rain, their support for vegetarianism and environmental conservation remained unwavering.

Vice President Kevin Cao thanks everyone for supporting vegetarianism. (Photo by Henry Chen)

ERINOAK Kids' Director of Development, Renae Addis, and Annual Giving Manager, Fiona D'Silva-Coelho, were present at the event and delivered speeches to express their gratitude to the compassionate Buddha’s Light community. They acknowledged that the enthusiasm and kindness of everyone present inspired more people to pay attention to the well-being of sick children. ERINOAK Kids is the largest children's treatment center in Ontario and offers vital medical assistance services to over 20,000 children, adolescents, and their families each year who are affected by developmental disabilities, autism, communication disorders, and hearing impairments. Their noble mission is to help every child to achieve maximum independence and a healthy future.

ERINOAK Kids Director of Development, Renae Addis, Annual Giving Manager, Fiona D'Silva-Coelho and the ERINOAK Kids Mascot expressed their gratitude for BLIA members' generous donations. (Photo by Henry Chen)

BLIA Toronto Secretary-General Monica Kong stated that a total of 231 individuals registered for the event this year. Many families participated together, with multiple generations joining in the run. The participants ranged from young toddlers as young as one-year-old to seniors in their 80s.

Crowds of 231 participants form a line over 150 meters long (Photo by Henry Chen)

The “2023 Toronto VEGRUN” is a shining example of how a shared vision for a better world, through generosity and compassion can promote environmental preservation and inspire communities to strive for a green, healthy and harmonious future.

Many families participated together, with multiple generations joining in the fun (photo by Henry Chen)