The Toronto Buddha’s Light Scout is relaunching the “Scout Apple Day,” a fundraising event that was paused for three years due to the pandemic. All members are well-prepared and ready to go. photo／Tracy Liu
Ken Choi
November 10, 2023
Each year, Scouts eagerly prepare for one of their most beloved events - Apple Day. The event provides the Scouting youth with an opportunity to show their appreciation to the general public for their support throughout the year. In Toronto, the 6th Meadowvale Scout group, also known as Buddha's Light Toronto Scout, has faithfully continued this tradition since their formation in 1997.
Before the event, fresh apples are offered to the Buddha. photo／Bo
The day begins with the dedicated Scouts and Venturers gathering at the temple, arriving well ahead of their regular meeting time. Their purpose? To tenderly clean and polish a rich harvest of apples, freshly acquired from a nearby farm. Basket after basket is quickly filled with these delectable fruits. Cubs and Beavers join in, preparing for a special offering in the main shrine. It was brimming with devotees participating in the Great Compassion Repentance Service.
Devotees who participated in the Great Compassion Repentance Ceremony gave their support to the Scouts. photo／Tracy Liu
Guided by the gentle wisdom of the Abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan, the youthful members proceed with grace and reverence. They humbly present their apples to Buddha, a gesture filled with devotion and humility.
But their journey doesn't conclude there. Returning to the dining hall, they generously share the apples with fellow devotees. In the blink of an eye, more than 200 apples find new homes, a testament to the community's open-heartedness.
Scouts are wiping the delicious apples one by one. photo／Tracy Liu
Youth members eagerly donned their Halloween costumes, enjoyed a cheese pizza lunch and continued with the Halloween party activities such as costume contest, treasure hunt and at the end, all received a loot bag filled with candies and other goodies to take home.
The Scouts received generous support from the public. photo／Wilson Yau
Everyone is welcomed to join in the fun next year! The Apple Day event is a heartwarming tribute to the teachings of the Venerable Master, emphasizing the spirit of "Giving" and the boundless unity and generosity that defines the FGS community."
The Scout leaders carefully select apples and pack them into baskets. photo／Tracy Liu