During the pandemic, masks and food proved to be life-saving necessities, yet many members of the population were unable to access these items that many of us take for granted. To help meet public demand for these items, the Lotus Light Charity Society (LLCS) is now working to distribute food and masks to those in need.
The LLCS is currently one of the most active charities on the front lines of Covid-19 relief programs. Since early April, the charity has donated more than 250,000 pounds of food and produce, helping over 10,000 Lower Mainland families impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The LLCS Charity Kitchen was established at the end of July to provide free meals to the community homeless. To help low-income families cope with the government’s mandatory requirement to wear masks in public settings, the LLCS also began an initiative in late July to provide 12,000+ cloth masks to organizations and vulnerable residents in need.
On September 5, 2020, the LLCS held its 2020 Covid-19 Relief Drive presentation in the charity’s activity hall to donate the 12,000 masks and food supplies to organizations in need.
The event followed provincial health guidelines closely and maintained two meters for safe social distance. Organizations coming to pick up also followed health safe rules for drive-ins. The LLCS encouraged and continues to encourage everyone to wear masks, keep a safe social distance, and wash hands to protect themselves and others.
The guests attended included Master Lian Tzi (President of the LLCS), MP Jenny Kwan for Vancouver East, Mr. Andy Chen (Director General for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Vancouver), Mr. Jerry Hsia (Director of the TECO Division), Mr. Teng (president of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Canada), and other representatives from low-income families, local policing centers, and community organizations.
Over 26 organizations and charities, including local food banks, inner-city schools, and shelters, received the free mask donation. Some recipients included Growing Chef, Lord Baden-Powell Elementary, Alderson Elementary, Seaview Community School, RainCity Housing Society, Immigrant Link Centre Society, Strathcona Community Centre, YMCA, Richmond Food Bank, Covenant House Vancouver, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Gathering Place Community Centre, The Salvation Army Belkin House, Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Inner-City Women’s Society, The Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver, Catholic Charities Men’s Hostel, Chinatown May Wah Tower SRO, Muslim Food Bank Surrey , City Reach, Britannia Elementary School, DTES Neighbourhood, Mavis Mcmullen Housing Society, Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, Collingwood Community Policing Centre, and Mammas for Mammas.
This project benefited front-line workers, low-income seniors and families, youth, the homeless, caregivers, migrant workers, childcare workers, janitors, community volunteers, and construction workers.
Master Lian Tzi, president of the LLCS, stated the following when she introduced the LLCS’s initiative to distribute 12,000 free cloth masks. “The heart of the LLCS is helping the poor and needy– children, individuals, families, seniors, and the homeless– especially during this pandemic.”
MP Jenny Kwan praised the LLCS for its many year-long initiatives and programs to help community members in need, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Andy Chen, the Director-General of TECO, thanked the LLCS for its invitation to participate in this meaningful caring event. Mr. Chen stated that his experience in Taiwan has proved how important masks are in preventing the spread of the virus and keeping communities safe. Mr. Chen also donated masks and hand sanitizers to charity programs on behalf of TECO.
The LLCS wishes to acknowledge the generous support from Second Harvest/FoodRescue.ca and from Vancouver Foundation, Vancity Credit Union, United Way Lower Mainland, and the City of Vancouver. The LLCS also extends its thanks to corporate and individual supporters and sponsors.
The LLCS further extends its thanks to Superstore (Grandview Hwy) for sponsoring the food items that were donated to community organizations serving low-income families. The LLCS also thanks the Salvation Army Belkin House for their donation of toys to support organizations helping single mothers.
The LLCS also recognizes and appreciates its volunteers for their support and continued contribution to the LLCS and the events the charity hosts. Without its volunteers, the organization would not be able to make a difference in the community.
The LLCS Covid-19 Community Caring Drive is currently accepting monetary and in-kind donations from individuals and corporate sponsors to help us continue our programs to help those disadvantaged by the Covid-19 pandemic. If you donate $20+, a tax receipt is available.
If you are able and would like to help us make a difference, please make cheques payable to “Lotus Light Charity Society” and mail the envelope to Lotus Light Charity Society, #200 357 E. Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P3. You can also donate online by Visa or Mastercard on the LLCS website: http://vllcs.org/en/donation/. Please contact the LLCS by tel: 605-685-5548 or by email: llcsvancouver@gmail.com. The LLCS is a registered charity (BN 14110-4893-RR0001).
