2018/06/21 Tzu Chi West Toronto
Guests praise the taste and crispiness of the spring rolls, which were deep-fried on-site.A few times a year, Tzu Chi volunteers host some type of activity or charity sale to promote vegetarianism, in the hopes of encouraging people to not only eat healthy but, by doing so, reduce their carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. Mississauga City Councillor Ron Starr has proven to be a staunch supporter, attending many Tzu Chi activities and even bringing home our vegetarian food items to share with his family.
Ron and his late wife Elaine have always been passionate about supporting charities in any way they can. Since 2005, they have hosted their annual Starr’s on the Credit fundraising event in their own backyard, donating proceeds to charities in the Peel Region. Every year, the event receives strong support from government officials and the business community, and the numbers of participants has increased year after year. Even after Elaine’s passing, Ron has carried on the tradition, continuing to share their love outwards. Institutions that have benefited from this event over the years include Interim Place, Trillium Health Partners, and the Alzheimer's Society of Peel.
On June 21, 350 guests showed up for this gathering of kindness and love to support the ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development. ErinoakKids specializes in the rehabilitation of disabled children, helping those with physical disabilities, autism, communication disorders, visual impairment, and hearing impairment.
Mississauga City Councillor Ron Starr welcomes Tzu Chi volunteers to his fundraising event. 
Guests of different backgrounds enjoyed Tzu Chi’s vegetarian food.
This is the second consecutive year that Tzu Chi West Toronto has been invited to participate as a food vendor. This year, fried spring rolls and Taiwanese-style fried rice noodles were served. Guests of all backgrounds had high praise for our food, even alongside well-known restaurants in the community. Some of the guests said they remembered us from last year and specifically came to our booth to support us. Other guests told our volunteers: “I was told I HAVE to come to your booth because your vegetarian food is delicious AND healthy!”
This year’s Tzu Chi booth also featured our humanistic missions, displaying three posters about domestic and international disaster relief. Although guests were attracted by the aroma of the food, many were astonished to learn about Tzu Chi’s international presence. Volunteers told them about our missions and disaster relief activities around the world, and guests praised both the tastiness of our vegetarian food and our efforts to bring peace and joy to those in need. Volunteers also had the opportunity to mingle with ErinoakKids staff as well as volunteers from the Alzheimer's Society of Peel, giving them Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorism as a kind gesture.
Although some say that it is difficult to ask the privileged to donate, when there is a will, there is a way. The event was attended by a group of kind-hearted people who are willing to share their blessings with others, raising $150,000 in just a few hours. Volunteers may have felt tired after the day’s work, but everyone was thrilled to have contributed to the success of the event.
Volunteers promote vegetarianism and introduce Tzu Chi’s missions to the public. 
Guests are astonished to learn about Tzu Chi’s disaster relief activities around the world.
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie supports Tzu Chi’s vegetarian booth. 
Tzu Chi’s vegetarian menu is highlighted alongside the dishes of famous local restaurants.