2008 May 3rd Tzu Chi Harmony Festival


Tzu Chi celebrated "Harmony Festival" in the rain

Over two thousands people waved their handkerchiefs in the air, pledging to protect Mother Earth.

On May 3rd 2008, Tzu Chi Foundation Canada celebrated Harmony Festival at Richmond's King George Park. The event included Tzu Chi volunteer exhibitions, field trip for the students of Tzu Chi academy of Humanistic Studies (Richmond, Coquitlam, Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby), environmental friendly fair, promote healthy and environmentally sound vegetarian diet, and multicultural stage performances.

Despite the rain, the sprits of the volunteers and public were not dampened, the Harmony Festival still attracted over two thousands people. The attendees included: David Emerson, the Minister of Industry, and three mayors of the Metro Vancouver, as well as over a hundred representatives from all levels of the government and clubs.

During the event, Tzu Chi gave out handkerchiefs to all the patrons present at the event. Mr. Gary Ho, C.E.O. of the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, stated: handkerchief is a symbol of loving the environment, whenever we use handkerchief, we turn our slogan into action.

"Mother Earth, we love you!"
When all the volunteers sang "A Clean Planet", all the patrons waved their light blue handkerchief as a show of their support in protecting the environment.

In recognition of the contributions of Tzu-Chi volunteers, the provincial government of British Columbia along with six other B.C. municipalities proclaimed May 3rd 2008 as Tzu Chi Day.

Article: Yuyen


- posted May 5, 2008