Skip to content 
In early 2025, Vancouver was hit by successive heavy snowfalls, causing temperatures to plummet below freezing. Although the police had already cleared out makeshift tents, a large number of homeless individuals still gathered in Oppenheimer Park, seeking basic assistance. Witnessing the hardships they faced, Tzu Chi volunteers decided to begin regular monthly hot meal distributions at the park starting in March 2025. They aim to provide meals and share Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorisms, offering physical and spiritual comfort to those without a home.
Teamwork and Heartfelt Meal Preparation
At 10:00 AM on the last Sunday of each month, over twenty volunteers, coordinated by Tzu Chi volunteers Lang-Ching Peng and Ya-Ting Hsu, gather at the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada (Western Region) office. They divide the tasks: slicing bread, peeling eggs, chopping potatoes, mixing salad, baking bread, assembling sandwiches, and preparing lemon tea, before neatly packing the finished items into boxes. As they work, the volunteers deeply reflect on the Master’s teaching: “You must understand what people truly need in order to genuinely help them.”
On that day (July 27), the bread was first steamed to soften it, making it easier for homeless individuals with poor dental health to eat. All ingredients were fresh from major supermarkets, and sugar-free drinks were prepared for those with blood sugar concerns. These thoughtful details were arranged to make the homeless feel warmth and respect. After about two hours of busy work, nearly four hundred sandwiches were ready.
Before setting out, Tzu Chi volunteers Yueh-Li Huang and Chiu-Chu Chang offered a gentle reminder to the team: “The homeless may not have bathed in days and might have an odor. They might be unwell and have a poor attitude… When moving as a group, we must wear our volunteer uniforms neatly and pay attention to our own safety. We hope all volunteers will serve the homeless with humility and respect. In the process of giving, we must maintain patience and a pure mind, ‘practicing self-cultivation through our actions to grow in both merit and wisdom.’ We are not only helping others but also growing in compassion and learning to cultivate stability and wisdom through service.”
A Warm Meal, A Jing Si Aphorism
At 2:00 p.m., the volunteers arrived at Oppenheimer Park. They quickly worked together to set up a large tent and arrange tables with hot food and supplies. They played the song “Love and Care” and performed sign language along with the music. The gentle gestures and melody created a warm atmosphere, drawing the homeless individuals who began to gather and automatically form a long line for food.
The homeless individuals received their hot meals in an orderly fashion, their hearts filled with joy and gratitude. Most expressed their thanks to the volunteers and initiated friendly conversations. When volunteers unfurled a banner with Jing Si Aphorisms, many people stopped to read the Master’s words. Volunteers also placed specially made Jing Si Aphorism stickers on their clothes or backpacks, and a number of them proactively shared their reflections with the volunteers.
One man was so moved after reading an aphorism that he broke down in tears on the spot. A Tzu Chi volunteer immediately went to comfort him, offering sincere companionship. Throughout the distribution, volunteers served with a respectful heart, bowing as they offered hot sandwiches and iced lemon tea with both hands. This was more than just a food delivery; it was an expression of respect and love. The homeless individuals also demonstrated admirable self-discipline and kindness. They were not greedy and did not take extra supplies, often saying, “Leave it for someone who needs it more.” They admitted that since they had nowhere to store extra food, taking more would just lead to it spoiling.
Letting Go of Hatred, Sharing in Harmony
One recipient, Bertrand (alias), shared in an interview: “Right now, wars are happening all over the world, with people hurting each other. It’s so meaningful that in this chaotic world, Tzu Chi can let go of hatred and come help people, distributing hot meals to the homeless. I believe the whole world can put down their guns and break bread together. When you’re breaking bread, you’re not angry at each other. This allows us to share and work together towards the same goal, instead of being in conflict. That’s how life can be better for everyone. Thank you so much, Tzu Chi!” This warm attitude of mutual understanding deeply moved the volunteers.
Another man, named Chuck (alias), was once an architect. However, the lingering effects of a concussion from a severe blow to the head have made him extremely sensitive to his surroundings, and he wakes up with a headache every morning. After a heart attack led to a car accident and knee surgery, his family left him. For the past eight months, he has been sleeping in his car while waiting for a spot in government-subsidized housing.
He explained that the community center opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m., and he has to remember to use the restroom every night before it closes. At the Tzu Chi distribution, he chose a Jing Si Aphorism: “A smiling face is the most beautiful.” Despite the misfortunes in his life, he remains a firm believer that God has the best plan for him. His optimism was infectious to the volunteers and revealed the powerful resilience within the homeless community.
Volunteers Share Touching Reflections: Love Grows Through Giving
Volunteer Stephen shared,
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event.
It has helped me deeply understand compassion and made me think about how people from different backgrounds may walk different paths, but we are all human and should love, respect, and care for one another.“
Young volunteer Yung-Hsin Yang said happily, “After the event was over, a man came asking for food. I gave him my only portion because he needed it more than I did. He was so happy, and it made my heart feel very warm.” “At first, slicing the bread was hard and difficult, but when we made them into sandwiches and gave them out, seeing the smiles on their faces made it all worth it. I feel that no amount of tiredness matters,” shared young volunteer Yi-Ting Tsai joyfully.
Volunteer Pei-Hsuan Ho stated, “When I was young, I often joined my parents and other Tzu Chi volunteers for nighttime distributions. It made me appreciate my current happiness even more, and I’m very happy to be able to continue doing meaningful things.”
A warm meal and a Jing Si Aphorism not only warm the stomachs of the homeless but also their hearts. This monthly act of kindness is more than just material aid; it is an exercise in dignity and care. The volunteers gather their love to form a ray of light, ensuring the streets of Vancouver are no longer cold.