As winter approached on November 8, 2025, a day of clear skies and gentle breezes offered a warm blessing for the annual winter distribution in Richmond, Canada. This event, meticulously planned since late August, involved careful coordination, procurement, and packaging of supplies, reflecting a spirit of harmony and mutual cooperation among the volunteers.
Expanding services for greater impact
This year’s distribution at The Salvation Army - Richmond House Emergency Shelter went beyond material aid, introducing vegetarian lunches and free haircut services. These additions aimed to address the practical needs of residents and provide care that truly touches the heart.
On the morning of the distribution, the Richmond Liaison Office was a hub of activity. Kitchen volunteers prepared nutritious vegetarian meal boxes, while others loaded gift bags and decorative items onto vehicles bound for the shelter. Upon arrival, everyone worked together to quickly set up the venue and organize the flow of activities. Shelter staff were invited to join a group photo, symbolizing the collaborative partnership. A warm welcome from the Richmond liaison leader introduced the haircut volunteers, followed by an explanation of the day’s activities. The atmosphere gradually became lively, filled with joy and anticipation.
LEFT: On November 4, volunteers at the Richmond Liaison Office packed supplies for the November 8 winter distribution at The Salvation Army shelter, anticipating sixty residents. RIGHT: The supplies focused on residents' daily needs, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and warm items like hats, scarves, gloves, and hand warmers for the cold winter. | Photos: Annie Teng
Renewed spirits through care
The free haircut service was a highlight, offering twenty pre-registered residents a chance to refresh their appearance. This external transformation also brought a sense of renewed inner strength. While receiving haircuts, residents watched a video titled “Half a Century of Vows,” providing them with insight into Tzu Chi’s charitable work and its compassionate origins.
To foster deeper connections, a “Q&A with small rewards” session was introduced. Volunteers encouraged residents to draw Jing Si Aphorism cards—short, insightful sayings from Tzu Chi’s founder, Master Cheng Yen—prompting them to share their thoughts and feelings inspired by the wisdom on each card.
Following this, a volunteer shared the spirit of the “bamboo bank,” explaining its origin as a simple way for people to save small amounts daily for charity. One resident was so moved that they immediately emptied all the coins from their pocket into a bamboo bank, adding a touching chapter to the story of collective giving. As lunch was served, volunteers engaged with residents, discussing their thoughts and feedback on the plant-based meals, which received an enthusiastic response.
LEFT: On the morning of the distribution, culinary volunteers diligently prepared nutritious plant-based meal boxes for the shelter residents. | Photo: Zhao-Ping Zhang (張兆平) RIGHT: Volunteers led the Tzu Chi song, "One Family" with sign language, conveying warmth and care through the lyrics to the participating residents. | Photo: Annie Teng
A song of unity and warmth
Before the formal distribution, all volunteers led a sign language song, “One Family,” symbolizing boundless love and unity. Botina, one of the residents, spontaneously joined in the sign language, sharing that she was already familiar with the song and deeply believed that “love flows between hearts, making us one family.” In that moment, the venue was filled with genuine joy and emotion.
The distribution officially began with volunteers forming neat lines, respectfully handing gift bags and blessings to each resident. After receiving their supplies, residents enjoyed warm vegetarian bento boxes and fruit in the dining area. Seeing their long-awaited smiles brought deep comfort to the volunteers. Many residents expressed profound gratitude, noting how the thoughtful provision of winter supplies, hot food, and haircuts made them feel cared for and respected as winter approached.
LEFT: Three hairdressers provided free haircuts to residents who needed them. RIGHT: Before the winter distribution, volunteers posed with shelter staff. Manager Siji Jones (center) expressed that the event brought residents together, allowing them to feel Tzu Chi's love and care. | Photos: Annie Teng
Siji Jones, the Shelter Manager, shared, “Tzu Chi volunteers injected joy and vitality into the space through sincere interaction and engaging activities. The residents’ laughter and gratitude filled the entire area with love and hope. Notably, several elders mentioned that they had never experienced such a sense of togetherness in other shelters, which truly highlighted the unique value of cooperating with Tzu Chi.”
The event concluded successfully, leaving volunteers feeling fulfilled. With joyful and grateful hearts, they tidied the venue, bringing a perfect close to a distribution filled with warmth and compassion. This event once again affirmed that good deeds require the collective effort of every person. When we reach out to embrace others in need, acts of love will continue to spread, forming an endless cycle of goodness.
Written by Jun-Xuan Wang (汪潤萱)
