On July 22, 2025, a new chapter in early childhood education began in Richmond, British Columbia, with the opening of Canada’s first Tzu Chi Great Love Daycare. Years of planning and dedication culminated in a warm and joyful ceremony, attended by local government officials, educators, and community members. The daycare, rooted in the spirit of compassion and humanistic values, aims to nurture young children into kind and responsible individuals.
A Vision Takes Root
The journey toward establishing Tzu Chi Great Love Daycare began as early as 1997, when the Tzu Chi Canada branch founded its first weekend Chinese school in Richmond. Over nearly three decades, the school’s reputation for blending Chinese language instruction with character education grew, and demand for early childhood classes consistently exceeded capacity. This enthusiasm from local families inspired the team to consider a dedicated, full-time daycare for children 2.5 to 5 years of age.
In 2018, a group of educators and volunteers began exploring possibilities, visiting local early childhood education centers and envisioning a space that could offer daily, values-based education. Despite initial setbacks due to regulatory challenges, the team’s determination never wavered. Their vision was further strengthened by support from community leaders, including Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Member of the House of Commons Chak Au, and CEO of Tzu Chi Canada Mac Miao (苗萬輝), who helped navigate the complexities of land use and licensing.
A Place to Grow: From Farm to Daycare
A turning point came in 2023, when the Shao family generously offered their farm adjacent to the Tzu Chi Great Love Farm for use as the daycare's site. Located within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the property provided the perfect setting for a small, family-style childcare center that could integrate environmental education with daily learning. The team embraced the opportunity to start small, believing that even a modest beginning could blossom into something meaningful.
The daycare's principal, Deborah Hsu (許丰綺), who holds local early childhood education credentials, played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s philosophy. After visiting Da Ai Preschools in Tainan and Hualien, Taiwan, and learning from the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool in Walnut, California, she shared, “Tzu Chi education is not just about imparting knowledge, but about nurturing goodness and love.”
LEFT: In October 2024, five Canadian volunteers visited Da Ai Preschool in Tainan, Taiwan, to learn from their experience. RIGHT: In December 2024, volunteers from both the east and west coasts of Canada visited Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool in Walnut, California, to understand its operations. | Photos: Shelley Kuo (郭亮君)
A Community’s Dream Realized
By April 2025, the daycare's vision had become a reality. Dharma Masters De Chen (德宸) and De Yuan (德淵), along with a care team from the Tzu Chi headquarters, visited the site to offer guidance and encouragement. On July 22, the grand opening brought together Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Member of Parliament Wilson Miao, and British Columbia MLA Steve Kooner, who joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mayor Brodie remarked, “This daycare will attract more young families to Richmond and is a blessing for our community.” MP Wilson Miao described the school as “a trilingual, values-based institution—families who secure a spot here are truly fortunate.” MLA Steve Kooner presented a congratulatory card, stating, “Great Love Daycare has created a bilingual and humanistic early learning environment, making a significant contribution to community care and development.”
LEFT: In March 2025, Canadian volunteers visited Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool in the U.S., where the CEO of Tzu Chi Education Foundation Debbie Lee (李瓊薰) (right) generously shared her experience and blessings. RIGHT: In April 2025, Dharma Masters De Chen, De Yuan (back row, third and fourth from left), and the care team from Taiwan visited the daycare site, offering compassionate advice and affirmation. | Photos: Shelley Kuo
A Place Where Children Flourish
Nestled on a one-acre property at 9871 Finn Road, the Great Love Daycare welcomes children into a vibrant, nature-filled environment. The curriculum is delivered in English, Mandarin, and French, and integrates life skills, character development, and environmental awareness. The school’s guiding principles—gratitude, respect, and love—are woven into every aspect of daily life.
Principal Deborah Hsu expressed her hopes for the children: “We want every child to grow up in an environment filled with love and care, and to become kind and responsible people.”
LEFT: Principal Hsu introduces the indoor classroom and learning facilities to guests during the daycare's opening. RIGHT: The daycare's interior is designed to spark imagination and creativity, with colorful, child-friendly spaces. | Photos: Annie Teng
A Celebration of Community and Hope
The opening ceremony was a joyful gathering, with guests, journalists, and volunteers expressing their happiness that children would have the chance to learn and play in such a green, nurturing environment. Mayor Brodie admired the outdoor facilities, while MLA Steve Kooner emphasized the school’s contribution to early childhood education and community development.
LEFT: Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie (right, third) praises the daycare's outdoor facilities and environment. RIGHT: The opening ceremony drew many guests, journalists, and volunteers, all delighted to see children enjoying the natural surroundings. | Photo: Annie Teng
Sowing Seeds for the Future
The daycare's opening is more than the launch of a new school—it is the planting of a seed of compassion and education in Canadian soil. As children begin their journey here, nurtured by dedicated educators and a caring community, the hope is that they will grow into individuals who bring kindness and positive change to the world.
Written by Shelley Kuo (郭亮君)
Source: 從一顆種子到一片福田 加拿大大愛幼兒園啟航
