New Year Vegetarian Gathering

12/27 2025 CPLLA Edmonton

At the turn of the year, as the old is bid farewell and the new welcomed, outdoor temperatures in Edmonton, Alberta dropped below –30°C. After a night of heavy wind and snow, many roads were blanketed with thick snow, making travel difficult for residents. Despite these harsh winter conditions, the “Hundred-Person Vegetarian Banquet to Welcome the New Year” was warmly held on December 27 at the headquarters of the Pure Land Learning Association. The event still attracted nearly one hundred participants.

Guests and community members from diverse backgrounds gathered together in a joyful and festive atmosphere. While celebrating reunion and togetherness, they enjoyed a variety of healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes and welcomed the arrival of the New Year with warmth and goodwill.

This vegetarian banquet was hosted by the Pure Land Learning Association Edmonton (CPLLA Edmonton) and co-organized by the Edmonton Taiwanese Association, Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant, Orill Vegen Market, and Gifted People Services. The event aimed to bring people together through vegetarian cuisine, celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day, promote healthy eating, and encourage environmental protection. More than a culinary gathering, the event also integrated cultural exchange, artistic performances, and community care.

The program was rich and engaging, featuring song performances, dance presentations, karmic story sharing, as well as several highly anticipated lucky draws. The atmosphere was lively and warm, with continuous applause throughout the event.

Venerable Master Xingshang Shi, Abbot of the Pure Land Learning Association, was invited to deliver opening remarks and extend New Year blessings to all attendees. Mr. Livi Yu, Member of the Legislative Assembly, also attended the event and delivered a speech, affirming the efforts of the host and co-organizers in promoting community harmony, multicultural exchange, and healthy dietary practices.

Representatives from the co-organizing organizations—including Ms. Wei He, President of the Edmonton Taiwanese Association; Mr. Jia-Cheng Xie, owner of Water Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant; Ms. Gloria, representative of Yuan Sheng Long Vegetarian Foods; and Ms. Dianna Jiang, founder of the Genius Service Center—took turns speaking on stage to share their motivations and reflections on supporting the event. The host organization presented certificates of appreciation to the co-organizers in recognition of their strong support, and memorable group photos were taken on site.

The cultural and artistic performances were another highlight of the evening. Mr. Jia-Cheng Xie delivered a heartfelt rendition of the classic song “The Moon Represents My Heart.” Three high school students—Yuni, Connie, and Cassa—presented a wonderful clarinet and flute performance. The Dim Sun Dance Group also brought a culturally rich dance performance. Originating from the University of Alberta, the group is dedicated to showcasing the diversity of Chinese dance, blending traditional and modern styles to share the beauty of Chinese culture with the campus and wider community.

As the evening drew to a close in an atmosphere filled with warmth and emotion, Venerable Master Shang Xing returned to the stage to offer concluding remarks and New Year blessings, wishing everyone peace and good fortune in the year ahead. The organizing committee expressed sincere gratitude to all attendees and extended wishes for a Happy New Year and success in all endeavors.

The “Hundred-Person Vegetarian Banquet to Welcome the New Year” not only provided participants with a nourishing and wholesome vegetarian feast for body and mind, but also further strengthened community bonds and conveyed the beautiful values of compassion, gratitude, harmony, and unity.

Our sincere thanks go to our sponsors and community partners for their generous support: Edmonton Taiwanese Association, Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant, Orill Vegen Market, and Gifted People Services.

Your support made this meaningful gathering possible and helped bring our community together in warmth and harmony.