TORONTO, September 21, 2026 – The Buddha’s Light International Association Toronto, Canada held the VegRun Global Vegetarian Charity Run at Centennial Park on September 19. Nearly 200 members, families with children and community residents attended, supporting a local children’s service organization through running, walking and fundraising.
All funds raised from the event will be donated to ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development in Ontario. The organization provides treatment and support for children and youth with autism, communication disorders and other physical or developmental needs, while also offering services to their families.
As of September 19, online and on-site donations had exceeded $11,000. Fundraising will continue until September 30.
Venerable Jue Fan, abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, said at the event that she hoped participants would pay attention to their physical health through exercise, while also bringing environmental awareness and charitable action into everyday life.
Cao Fengyan, president of the Buddha’s Light International Association Toronto, said VegRun combines healthy exercise, plant-based eating, environmental protection and charitable fundraising. She said the event aims to encourage more families to take part in community activities and learn more about healthy eating and environmental protection while exercising.
Fiona D’Silva-Coelho, manager of development at ErinoakKids, also attended the event. She said community fundraising will support children and families who need therapy and rehabilitation services, and thanked participants and donors at the event.
Before the run began, members of Fo Guang Youth Toronto led participants in warm-up exercises. Participants ranged widely in age, with many families bringing children. Some parents completed the route while pushing strollers. After the run, family and team-based activities continued at the site.
The event also featured a “Vege Plan A” booth, introducing residents to plant-based eating and encouraging people to add more vegetarian choices to their daily meals.
Organizers said VegRun aims to raise funds for children’s service organizations through exercise and community activities, while also helping more residents learn about healthy eating and environmental protection.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
