On April 1, 2021, the Burnaby community launched an online interactive event for the elderly called ‘Hello Burnaby! Seniors Activity Fair’ through social media platforms. The event aimed to combat the lack of social activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The social platform provided education, information, resources consultation, and various interactive lectures on fitness exercises and other activities.

‘Committed to cultural inheritance, caring for the community, self-improvement, and promoting social harmony’ has always been the service motto of Tian-Jin Temple. In daily life, to enrich the leisure time of the elderly, Tian-Jin Temple has offered many community courses, such as Tai Chi, calligraphy, floral arrangement, yoga, and a free ‘HAPPY HOUR’ event every Saturday afternoon for the elderly in the community. During this pandemic, Tian-Jin Temple was honored and actively participated in this online performance event.

Fairy Garden 2021

Despite her busy schedule, Master Chen Mingna of Tian-Jin Temple diligently prepared a simple and easy-to-learn handicraft for the elderly activity. She taught on how to use natural plants from one’s garden and old items to create a dream fairy tale world mini garden. Master Chen from Tian-Jin Temple hoped that everyone would get involved in the handicrafts, allowing their minds to settle and wishing everyone’s physical and mental health and safety during this special period.

Floral Arrangement Showcase

Volunteer Claire Chiu of Tian-Jin Temple patiently interacted with the elderly in the community on the platform and explained the raw materials and steps of the ‘Mini Fairy Garden’ project. The ‘Mini Fairy Garden’ presentation received an enthusiastic response and unanimous praise from the elderly in the community.

Participants’ Feedback

• ‘Thank you, Tian-Jin Temple, for the wonderful presentation!’
• ‘This is the sweetest!’
• ‘Very nice thanks!’
• ‘That’s so soothing!’
• ‘How adorable!’
• ‘You made it look easy, but there’s a skill in placing everything so perfectly.

Demonstrations of floral arrangements

Let’s all enjoy Master Chen’s creation

Master Chen: ‘Too much business has made us lose our original innocence. I hope everyone maintains a childlike heart to make our minds and bodies simpler. Today, we hope to have an opportunity to revisit our childhood dreams.’