The 9th Annual Lotus Light Community Care Day: Distributing 20,000 Pounds of Food Supplies to Support the Community
On July 19, 2025, the Lotus Light Charity Society (Vancouver) hosted the 9th Annual Lotus Light Community Care Day at the Lotus Light Activity Centre, located at 347 East Hastings Street, Vancouver. The event celebrates the spirit of community care and supports the well-being of vulnerable residents in the Downtown Eastside.
Leading up to the event, Lotus Light organized the donation of 16,000 pounds of yogurt to various organizations and community kitchens across Greater Vancouver that serve low-income families and the homeless. On the day of the event, a wide variety of supplementary food items were distributed, including noodles, juice, canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, hot dogs, hamburgers, pastries, snacks, soy milk, and coffee drinks. In addition to food, clothing and essential daily necessities were also handed out to attendees.
This year, Lotus Light Community Care Day saw the total number of food items distributed exceed 40,000, benefiting over a thousand attendees at the event and thousands of low-income households across the Greater Vancouver area.
More than 100 guests and community partners attended the donation announcement, including provincial and city councillors, representatives from charitable organizations, corporate sponsors, and dedicated volunteers.
Remarks from Community Leaders
At the donation presentation, Deputy Mayor Sarah Kirby-Yung, representing Mayor Ken Sim, addressed the crowd:
“It’s always a pleasure to be here for this annual Lotus Light Community Care Day. I’ve had the privilege of attending nearly all of them—it’s truly a highlight of the season. I want to acknowledge our MLAs, fellow councillors, and all of you who’ve come out on a summer Saturday to show your support and compassion for the Downtown Eastside. This truly makes a difference. The power of community care lies in everyone coming together to help those in need. The Lotus Light Charity Society has been doing this for over 30 years, which is incredible—let’s give them a round of applause! Beyond government programs and policies, events like this show how important it is for individuals to take action. Thank you to the event organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes to make all of this possible.”
Deputy Mayor Kirby-Yung then invited city councillors to read aloud a proclamation signed by Mayor Ken Sim.
The Hon. Terry Yung (Minister of Community Safety and Integrated Services, MLA for Vancouver-Yaletown) and MLA Joan Phillip (Vancouver-Strathcona), representing Premier David Eby, shared a congratulatory letter and addressed the crowd, thanking Lotus Light for its commitment to community service.
Vancouver City Councillors Lenny Zhou and Pete Fry also spoke, with Councillor Fry stating:
“Thank you for year after year of caring for people and providing them with support and comfort.”
Honoured Guests and Special Recognitions
Other distinguished guests included:
- Constable Steve Dhaliwal, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Vancouver Police Department
- Lorraine Lowe, Executive Director, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
- Frank Gagnon, Manager of Investor Relations, NOVAGOLD
Representatives from various community policing centers, including Strathcona, Chinese (Chinatown), Vancouver Aboriginal, Grandview-Woodland, and Gastown-Hastings Crossing, were also in attendance.
The Lotus Light Charity Society gave special recognition to NOVAGOLD for sponsoring the Winter Charity Drive Emergency Survival Backpack Pilot Project for three consecutive years. This initiative helps vulnerable residents during emergencies by providing essential survival supplies.
Speaking on behalf of NOVAGOLD, Frank Gagnon shared:
“What Lotus Light does aligns with NOVAGOLD’s values. I’m particularly proud to support initiatives like the Emergency Survival Backpack project, which help individuals facing hardship. On behalf of NOVAGOLD, I sincerely thank the organizers, sponsors, and the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to care for those in need.”
Food Distribution and Community Impact
Following the presentations, special guests, along with Lotus Light volunteers, community policing center staff, and youth groups, distributed food, beverages, produce, care items, coffee, and BBQ lunches to nearly 1,000 homeless and low-income individuals outside the Lotus Light Activity Centre. The distribution lasted approximately two and a half hours. Many recipients expressed their gratitude, repeatedly saying, “Thank you! Thank you!” and giving enthusiastic thumbs-up to volunteers and guests.
Gratitude and Invitation for Continued Support
Lotus Light Charity Society extends heartfelt thanks to all honourable guests, corporate and individual sponsors, community partner organizations, and dedicated volunteers for making Lotus Light Community Care Day a resounding success.
We welcome continued support and sponsorship for our various charitable programs. To learn more about Lotus Light’s community initiatives, please contact us at (604) 685-5548, email llcsvancouver@gmail.com, or visit our website: http://vllcs.org.
Lotus Light Charity Society is a registered charity. Government Registration Number: BN14110-4893-RR0001.
