LLCS’s 2016 Toy Drive to Welcome Syrian Refugee Families & Children to Vancouver’s Lower Mainland Mar. 12th, 2016
The ongoing conflict in Syria is one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. As the Government of Canada actively works to resettle over 25,000 Syrian refugees who have recently arrived, Canadians are opening our hearts and communities to welcome vulnerable refugees to their new home.
Lotus Light Charity Society’s Vancouver chapter organized a Welcome Event for Syrian refugee families and children with a special presentation of toys, gifts and household essentials. Over 200 attendees joined this past Saturday’s fun event located at Lotus Light Temple, 347 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver.
More toys! New toys, educational books and stationery supplies give a child their perfect wonderland of fun!
This past cloudy Saturday afternoon, March 12th, 2016, over 300 new Syrian refugee children, families, special guests, volunteers and sponsors enjoyed the most fabulous array of happiness at Lotus Light Charity Society Vancouver on East Hastings, Vancouver. Three large bus loads of refugees met smiling Lotus Light volunteer hosts who stood at the inside doors of Lotus Light Charity Society’s Community Hall at 1:15pm to stay for over 2 hours enjoying fun-filled, free event prepared especially for Syrian immigrants. From children’s favorite face-painting, balloon twisting and to wide feast of fresh halal baked chicken drumsticks and baked potatoes, fresh fruits, canada cake, refreshments, wheel of fortune and tables of toys were offered to refugee families.
Distinguished guests include President of Lotus Light Charity Society Vancouver Vajra Master Lian Tzi, on behalf of Justin Trudeau MP Steveston-Richmond East Hon. Joe Peshiolido, MP Vancouver East Hon. Jenny Kwan, and on behalf of Mayor Greg Roberston Councillor Dr. Kerry Jang, Taiwan Taipei Economic Division Director Mr. Jack Pan and others. Not to mention about outstanding turn-out of warm-hearted local sponsors: Raincoast Books, Heritage Group Book Distribution, Saint Germain Bakery Aberdeen, Canadian Tire Marine Drive, Superstore Metrotown, Superstore Richmond, Shoppers Drug Mart Richmond Centre, Warm Buddy North Vancouver, Westcoast Sightseeing Ltd, Vancouver School Bus Chartered, Toyland Company, Toy Jungle, Living Magic Entertainment, Looking Glass Painting, The Party Bazaar, Mr. Bubbles, Twist Parties, Tibisti Halal Food Restaurant, anonymous sponsors and others.
President of Lotus Light Charity, Vajra Master Lian Tzi claimed, “Canada has and always will be a country of immigrants as you as new immigrants will be an integral part of our now expanded community, bringing your skills and greatness!” A very loud applause echoed with waves of cheers, clapping hands and whistles.
Jenny Kwan expressed, “Special thanks to Vajra Master Lian Tzi and Lotus Light volunteers for putting this extra special event plus reinforce the motion every single member of parliament welcome all of you! You make our community richer from your presence!”
The Lotus Light’s Winter Charity Drive is now in its 21st year and relies on financial and in-kind donations from individuals and corporate supporters. Our 2016 Winter Charity Drive campaign now includes the Toy Drive to our annual distribution of hundreds of sleeping bags and emergency winter care packages in partnership with local shelters and family service agencies throughout the Lower Mainland. Lotus Light volunteers will continue collecting new, unwrapped toys, games or educational books for children throughout 2016 to benefit refugee families and impoverished families in the Greater Vancouver area. Lately, news announced that our Canada will increase arrival of up to 10,000 refugees before end 2016.
In the spirit of its motto “Through caring and learning, we help to build a better tomorrow” Lotus Light Charity Society (Vancouver) is a registered non-profit charity dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in our local community.
For more information or to find out how you can contribute to the special Toy Drive, please contact us at:
LOTUS LIGHT CHARITY SOCIETY
#200-357 Hastings Street East
Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1P3
Tel: 604-685-5548 Fax: 604-685-5598
email: llcavancouver@gmail.com
web: www.vllcs.org