City of Mississauga Honored BLIA Toronto Chapter with Environmental Appreciation Award

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto
August 9, 2024

On July 21, the City of Mississauga awarded certificates of appreciation to the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter and 15 other community organizations for their significant contributions to environmental conservation. The recognition ceremony was held at Lakeside Park in Mississauga, hosted by Amory Ngan, Forestry Manager, Sarah Piett, Supervisor of Woodlands and Natural Areas, and John Mockinnon. Representing the BLIA Toronto Chapter were board members Lisa Luong, Louis Chen, and William Wong, along with 26 dedicated volunteers.

This recognition celebrates the volunteers’ outstanding efforts in the city's "One Million Trees" planting initiative. Launched in 2013, this ambitious program aims to plant one million trees over two decades. After ten years, over 550,000 trees have been planted, significantly enhancing the local environment. The BLIA Toronto Chapter joined the initiative in 2013 under the leadership of then-President Lisa Luong, starting with the planting of 175 trees at Lake Aquitaine Trail. Since then, they have made continuous contributions to community greening.

To deepen the understanding of the importance of environmental protection and harmonious coexistence with nature, the event featured interactive activities such as games, quizzes, and guided park tours. These activities not only made the event enjoyable but also enriched participants' knowledge about plants and trees, fostering a greater appreciation for environmental stewardship.

In alignment with the United Nations SDG 11 (Sustainable Development Goal), BLIA promotes the "T-Earth Forest Project." The Toronto Chapter striving to protect the planet and build a sustainable future. Tree planting is seen as a fundamental action for environmental protection, working towards the vision of creating a Pure Land on Earth.