November 1st, 2025

Dear friend,

Today we celebrate the International Temples Project (ITP) Day, or Temples Day!

35 years ago Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (Geshe-la) visited Toronto for the first time and began to sow seeds for Kadam Dharma to flourish in Canada. Regular meditation classes began in 1993 when Gen Kelsang Tharchin, our first Resident Teacher, arrived in Toronto.

And just look at where we are now! Thanks to the International Temples Project we have an extraordinary City Temple with nearly 5000 people on our email list, close to 100 monthly members, approximately 50 volunteers, and almost 20 teachers contributing to our packed program which regularly serves hundreds of people in the GTA with the methods for developing authentic inner peace and happiness.

All of these wonderful developments have only arisen thanks to the collective efforts of so many members and friends. And of course, in particular through the generosity of donors like you. Thank you!

Now we are on to the next 35 years and there is so much more to accomplish. We think you will agree that nowadays people are in as much need of real inner peace and happiness as ever.

The funds raised this year will go towards providing our present branches in Roncesvalles, the Danforth, Yonge & Eglinton, Port Credit and Richmond Hill, as well as providing our many future branches with the resources they need to make a real impact in their communities.

Your donations will also enable us to keep our class fees affordable, making Buddha’s teachings accessible to the greatest number of people seeking a spiritual path. 

In addition, there’s an even broader view, established by Geshe-la when he conceived of the International Temples Project. Temples Day is celebrated annually on this day, the first Saturday in November. The day reflects on the founding of the project by Venerable Geshe-la and its role in making Kadam Dharma, the Buddhist path of wisdom and compassion, accessible to people everywhere. Every time we enjoy our Temple on Crawford Street we are direct beneficiaries of the ITP. How fortunate we are! 

And if all that weren’t motivation enough for you, a very generous member of our community has offered to match up to $30,000 of others’ donations, doubling the value of (and merit accumulated by) your generosity! A $100 donation equals $200 for our year-end fundraising campaign.

Even with the extraordinary efforts of our inspiring teachers, devoted managers, and kind volunteers, KMC Canada could not have succeeded without the financial support of others, such as you. On behalf of everyone involved in our meaningful activities, we thank you for your ongoing support. You can make your tax-deductible gift by etransfer, cheque or credit card, by mail, in person, or online at www.meditateintoronto.org/donate.

We look forward to continuing to provide a safe haven, practical solutions, and Buddha’s wisdom for our expanding spiritual community. We are all doing what we can to fulfill Venerable Geshe-la’s incredible vision. 

With much love and gratitude,

The KMC Canada Year-End Campaign Team

Resident Teacher (RT) Gen Kelsang Chodor
Administrative Director (AD) Kelsang Togden
Education Program Coordinator (EPC) Rose Hirano
Tharpa Manager Gabriel Charbonneau 

Kadampa Meditation Center Canada is a registered charity in Canada # 861356970 RR0001. All contributions are tax-deductible.