Calgary Buddhist Temple Blog

Selfless Giving

Monday, October 27, 2025
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Annually, the Temple puts up a tree at the front of the hondo for the collection of toys as well as items of warm clothing for those less fortunate.  This year, the toys will be going to Baby It’s Cold Outside, and warm clothing to the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Let’s show kindness and compassion for others. 

  • New, unwrapped gift donations for children ages 0-17; and
  • New or gently used winter weather clothing items such as socks, gloves, coats, etc for all age groups.

Final day is Sunday, Nov 30 – please give generously. Money or gift card donations are welcome and should be given directly to Susan Huntley or Laurie Takeda.

Baby It’s Cold Outside (BCO)

BCO and the Temple are partnering to help bring joy to countless families across the Foothills. The toys collected through your Temple stay within the region and have become cherished surprises, lighting up children’s faces and creating lasting memories for their families.

Thanks to the support of partners, our campaign continues to grow in reach and impact. In 2024 alone, we fed 612 people and ensured 306 children received gifts, a 33% increase in family members supported compared to the previous year. These numbers represent more than just data, they reflect real families, real smiles, and real moments of hope.

Our nomination period runs from November 17 to December 12, and we are honoured to have the Temple involved again this year. To learn more about our mission and the impact of our work, please visit: www.babyitscoldoutsidecharity.com

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Chow Mein Supper

Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Our popular and much anticipated Chow Mein Supper held on October 25 was SOLD OUT and a huge success because of you!  Thank you to all the people who supported the Temple by purchasing tickets and to all the wonderful volunteers.  Without your kindness and generosity, we would not be able to do what we do.

Gassho.

 

 

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Kokoro No Taiko (“Taiko of the Heart”)

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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11:00am-12:00pm – Drum with all your heart with the Calgary Buddhist Temple Sangha who are honored to have the renown group, Midnight Taiko Kai, hold a 1 hour introductory workshop at the Temple. Come and engage with the members of Midnight and the Sangha, gain an overview of the history of Taiko, learn about the different Taiko drums used in an ensemble, and let loose.

No experience necessary – just dress comfortably and be prepared to enjoy a fun, high energy drumming session.

Cost is $20.00/person (minimum age is 12) – space is limited and if full, there is a possibility of a second intro session in the afternoon on the same day based on Waitlist.

Click here to Register

This thrilling workshop is open to the public and we gratefully acknowledge support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.

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Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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Would you like to experience Japanese calligraphy, and try for yourself this popular and beautiful part of Japanese art and culture? On Sunday, Oct 26, the Calgary Buddhist Temple Sangha Engagement will be hosting a Japanese Calligraphy workshop with a fully qualified Master Calligraphy Instructor, Mami Humphreys of Sho Artworks.

You’ll be learning the basics and how to use the tools, and you will have a chance to practice, by using an example, and you get to take your piece home with you too! 

Rather than “思“ or compassion, the letter or piece we’ll be making in this session that people will practice will be “平和“ or “heiwa” or peace.

All materials will be included at a cost of $12.00/person.  Space is limited so don’t miss out! We look forward to your participation.

Here’s the link to register or go to https://bit.ly/Sangha-Calligraphy2

 

We gratefully acknowledge support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.

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Temple Fundraising

Friday, September 19, 2025
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Reminder that there are several opportunities to help fundraise for the Temple.

Apple Pie Making

Please join us on Friday, September 26th from 9:00am to 3:00 pm as we get together to make some apple pies. Our frozen apple pies have been a hit in the past and we’d like to make many more for sale in conjunction with our Chow Mein Supper on October 25th.

We require 15 volunteers to help make these pies. Peeling, kneading, rolling; we are hoping with your help we can make many pies. Please bring with you peelers or pairing knives, rolling pins, cutting boards, and aprons. Also, lunch will be served.

SignUp Today!

Chow Mein Dinner (poster)

It is almost time for our much anticipated yearly Chow Mein Dinner, created by our very own Sangha members.

Date:  Saturday, October 25

Time:  3pm-6pm

Location:  PICK UP ONLY at the Calgary Buddhist Temple

Cost:  $20 per person

For tickets, please email calgarytemplevolunteer@gmail.com

  • Veggie Chopping Friday October 24 at the Temple. Please look out for the Sign Up Genius!
  • Chow Mein Take Out Dinner volunteers needed Saturday October 25 at 12noon at the Temple. Please look out for the Sign Up Genius!

Everything Japanese Donation

If you have any Japanese items that you would like to donate to the Temple to support fundraising, please email mhkuta@outlook.com

 

 

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Be in the Fold (origami)

Monday, September 15, 2025
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We have a special guest instructor, Cheryl Takaoka, who will be coming to the temple to show us how to create origami which is the Japanese art of paper folding.  Using the special paper, we can use the origami pieces to design lovely, personalized cards.  Supplies will be provided.

Dharma School (kids) session will begin around 10:45am and adult session at 11:30am. No registration required for this workshop but there is a suggested fee/donation of $5 per person.

This is open to everyone!  Come for fun with origami and card making!

We gratefully acknowledge support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.

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