On July 6, 2019, the Lotus Light Charity Society (LLCS) held its third annual Lotus Light Community Caring Day at Oppenheimer Park to celebrate community spirit and hope in the Downtown Eastside (DTES). With support from generous and compassionate local businesses, partner community-service organizations, and volunteers, the LLCS was able to distribute free food, household items, and small gifts to vulnerable residents in need. Some items distributed include coffee mugs, sunglasses, clothing items, pastries, coffee, snacks, and hot dogs.
The event brought together DTES residents, including low-income families and those struggling with addiction, poverty, and homelessness, to enjoy family-focused activities and gifts. Over 1000 meals were served at Oppenheimer Park, giving impoverished and homeless residents the chance to partake in summer festivities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. Over 10,000 gift items were distributed to attendees, including sunglasses, pasta, canned food items, clothing items, hats, and personal hygiene items.
The event also celebrated Lotus Light’s 26th anniversary of serving the Vancouver DTES community. Some VIP members who attended the event were Ms. Jenny Kwan (MP for Vancouver East), Sarah Kirby-Yung (Deputy Mayor Councillor), Rebecca Bligh (City Councillor), Mr. Stuart Mackinnon (Chair of Vancouver’s Board of Parks and Recreation), Mr. David Long (CEO of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank), and Ms. Terra Paredes (Manager of Community Events for the GVFB). LLCS President, Master Lian Tzi, alongside Ms. Teresa Fung (Executive Director for the LLCS) and Dr. Floyd Wong (LLCS Vice President), hosted the event.
At the event, the LLCS presented the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) with 5000 lbs of rice. CEO, Mr. David Long, presented a certificate to Master Lian Tzi for Lotus Light’s continued support to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Mr. Stuart Mackinnon, Chair of the City of Vancouver’s Board of Park and Recreation, also presented Master Lian Tzi with a certificate of appreciation for the charity’s monthly meal program to support homeless residents of Oppenheimer Park.
The LLCS also recognized the recipients of the 2019 Lotus Light Charity Scholarship. Four students were awarded a scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence and their community service.
“I am so proud to see our community leaders, local businesses, and LLCS volunteers coming together to make this event a success. Thousands of people in the Downtown Eastside community can enjoy a break from their worries and have a fun day. Beyond just a one-day event, Lotus Light Charity Society (Vancouver) is proudly celebrating 26 years of serving the DTES community this year. Providing food and care packages containing gifts of clothing, blankets, and essential items are a critical element to our outreach efforts and community-service programs,” said Master Lian Tzi.
The LLCS would like to extend its sincere thanks to the following sponsors for helping us make an impact in our community: Superstore (on Grandview Hwy, King George Hwy, and Marine Drive), Wholesale Club, Clearly Canadian Foods, Terra Breads, St. Germain Bakery, Van-Whole produce, Direct Liquidation, Ansan Traffic Control, Save-on-Foods (on Main street and Cambie Street), Quilts Home Etc, VCC Bakery Department, Blenz Coffee (at International Village), JJ Bean (on Main St and Cambie St), Starbucks Coffee (on International Village, Terminal Ave, Yukon St, Kaslo St, E. Hastings, Clark Drive, Bridgeport Road, and City Square Mall), Hai Phong Vietnamese Restaurant, Ba Le Vietnamese Restaurant, Pho Thai Hoa Vietnamese Restaurant, Dollarama Montreal, Angus T Bakery, Army & Navy, No-frills (Clark Drive and Denman St), Purebreds (Mount Pleasant and E. Hastings), Rexall Pharmacy, and Mr. Bubbles (Earl).
The LLCS is proud to be serving those in need and will continue our efforts to make the community a better place for all. The LLCS would like to thank all corporate and individual sponsors, partner community-service organizations, and volunteers for making our event and programs successful!
