Lotus Light Distributes 40,000 Food and Care Items to Celebrate the 10th Annual Community Care Day

On July 25, 2026, the Lotus Light Charity Society (Vancouver) hosted the 10th Annual Lotus Light Community Care Day at the Lotus Light Activity Centre, located at 347 East Hastings Street in Vancouver. The annual event celebrates the spirit of compassion and community service while supporting vulnerable residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

This year, Lotus Light distributed more than 40,000 food and care items, benefiting over 1,000 attendees at the event and thousands of low-income households throughout Greater Vancouver. Donations included canned goods, bread, pastries, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, beverages, snacks, soy milk, hot dogs, hamburgers, and personal care items.

More than 100 honourable guests, community partners, corporate sponsors, and volunteers attended the donation presentation. Distinguished guests included Master Lian Tzi, Chair of the Board of Lotus Light Charity Society; MP Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East); Hon. Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services and MLA; City of Vancouver Deputy Mayor Lenny Zhou; City Councillor Pete Fry; Director Eric Liou of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office; Floyd Wong, Vice-President of Lotus Light; and representatives from numerous charitable organizations and community groups.

Vice-President Floyd Wong welcomed guests and thanked the many sponsors, volunteers, and community partners whose ongoing support has made Community Care Day a decade-long tradition of compassion and service.

Deputy Mayor Lenny Zhou invited Councillor Pete Fry to read the City of Vancouver proclamation, signed by Mayor Ken Sim, officially proclaiming July 25 as “Lotus Light Community Caring Day.” Premier David Eby also sent a congratulatory letter recognizing Lotus Light’s longstanding contributions to serving vulnerable members of the community.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the heartfelt address by MP Jenny Kwan, who praised Lotus Light’s unwavering commitment to serving those most in need.

“Year after year, the work of Lotus Light—their love, their care, and their generosity of heart—is the essence of what this organization represents. Community Care Day is a celebration of that spirit.”

She thanked the volunteers, sponsors, frontline workers, police officers, and community partners who work together to support vulnerable residents, adding that Lotus Light sends an important message to those facing hardship:

“You reach out a loving hand to say to people in the community that they are not forgotten—that they are equally important members of our community.”

Reflecting on today’s challenges, she concluded:

“This is a moment of light, a moment of love, a moment of appreciation, and a moment to say: we care. Thank you for all that you do.”

The Hon. Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services and MLA for Vancouver-Yaletown, also expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in making the event possible.

“You are here today because you chose to help people who have less. You stepped up—not just with words, but through action. You came because you believe in making a difference, and for that, I offer my deepest gratitude.”

Councillor Pete Fry thanked Lotus Light and its many supporters for continuing to strengthen the community through generosity and compassion.

“It’s such a community-building experience. I’m grateful to everyone—the volunteers, sponsors, and the Lotus Light community—whose generosity makes such a meaningful difference.”

During the ceremony, Lotus Light also presented the 2026 Lotus Light Charity Scholarships to eight outstanding students in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication to community volunteer service. This year’s scholarships were generously sponsored by Ms. Filomena Bettencourt in memory of her family members.

Special guests attending the event also included Constable Steve Dhaliwal, Homeless Outreach Coordinator of the Vancouver Police Department; Constable Stuart Black and Constable Andrew of the VPD; Lorraine Lowe, Executive Director of the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre; representatives from NOVAGOLD; and volunteers from community policing centres across Vancouver, including Strathcona, Chinatown, Vancouver Aboriginal, Grandview-Woodland, Gastown-Hastings Crossing, and Mount Pleasant.

Lotus Light also presented certificates of appreciation to its community partner organizations and corporate sponsors in recognition of their generous support and longstanding commitment to serving the community.

Following the presentations, honoured guests joined Lotus Light volunteers, community policing centres, youth volunteer groups, and corporate sponsors to distribute food, beverages, fresh produce, care packages, coffee, and BBQ lunches to nearly 1,000 homeless and low-income individuals outside the Lotus Light Activity Centre. The distribution continued for approximately two hours, with many recipients expressing heartfelt gratitude and offering enthusiastic thumbs-up to volunteers and guests.

As Lotus Light celebrates the 10th anniversary of Community Care Day, the event continues to demonstrate the power of compassion, partnership, and volunteerism in bringing hope and practical assistance to those facing hardship.

Lotus Light Charity Society extends its sincere appreciation to all honourable guests, sponsors, community partners, and dedicated volunteers whose generosity and support made this milestone celebration a tremendous success.

To learn more about Lotus Light’s charitable programs or to support its community initiatives, please contact Lotus Light Charity Society at (604) 685-5548, email llcsvancouver@gmail.com, or visit www.vllcs.org.

Lotus Light Charity Society is a registered Canadian charity (BN 14110 4893 RR0001).