Richmond is a great model of multiculturalism. Our No. 5 Road is home to more than twenty prominent places of worship. Some of the world’s major religions – Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism – are well represented on this Highway To Heaven. The presence of some very impressive places including a mosque, a gurdwara (Sikh Temple), various Christian churches, a monastery, a pagoda are just some of the places of worship that stand out and call #5 Road their home. Furthermore, there are a number of religious schools that complement the places of worship very well. Thus, it is a true reflection of the Canadian Mosaic.
This Highway to Heaven is a great attribute to Richmond’s respect for diverse cultures and faiths. To their credit, City of Richmond, Richmond School District and various other agencies are doing an excellent job in promoting mutual understanding and intercultural harmony. In a sense, it is a total community effort to create such an environment. More than three years ago, representatives of a number of places of worship along this stretch of #5 Road came to-gether to form the Highway To Heaven Association (HTHA). Last year, for the first time HTHA was pleased and proud to participate in the Steveston Salmonfest Canada Day Parade.
The HTHA Float was very well received by the community. This year again, HTHA would be joining the Parade with its Float decorated with banners of all of the participating places of worship. Also, for the first time this year, HTHA will be celebrating the BC Day on Monday, August 3. The venue will be the Lingyen Mountain Temple, 10060 #5 Road (at Williams). Mayor Malcolm Brodie, M.P. and Minister of State for Seniors, Alice Wong and Richmond East MLA and Speaker of the B.C. Legislature, Linda Reid, have accepted our invitation to join us on August 3. A number of other dignitaries are also expected to attend. The program will commence at 11AM on Monday, August 3 and conclude around 2 PM. The VIPs will be bringing greetings around noon on that day. There will be information booths by the participating places of worship. Furthermore, there will be on-going multicultural entertainment throughout.
Lingyen Mountain Temple will provide complimentary vegetarian lunch from 12 to 1PM to the attendees. Admission is free and there is ample free parking. On behalf of the Highway To Heaven Association I would like to invite your readers and the community to join us in celebrating the B.C. Day in Richmond on Monday, August 3.
