In a historic demonstration of unity and devotion, the Bhutanese diaspora across Canada has successfully raised CAD $52,966.00 to support the construction of the 108 Jangchub Chortens (Stupas) at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
The joint initiative, spearheaded by the Association of Bhutanese in Ontario (ABO) and the Bhutanese Association of British Columbia (BABC), brought together nearly 400 families, individuals, and well-wishers over a three-month nationwide donation drive.
A Shared National Aspiration
The 108 Jangchub Chortens—each standing 15 meters tall—are designed to serve as the spiritual heart of His Majesty’s vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City. Upon learning of the landmark project, community members in Canada moved quickly to organize a coordinated response, obtaining formal approval from GMC authorities to launch the donation drive.
To lead and oversee the initiative, a joint 10-member Special Steering Committee was established with equal representation from both Ontario and British Columbia:
- British Columbia Committee Members: Ugyen Samdrup, Migmar Tshering, Thewang Gembo, Karma Dorji, and Sangay Thinley.
- Ontario Committee Members: Deepjal Pradhan, Namgay Gurung, Kinley Wangchuk, Anuka Pradhan, and Thinley Jamtsho.
The committee formally engaged with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy to Canada (Permanent Mission of Bhutan to the UN in New York). His Excellency Ambassador Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk chaired a meeting with committee representatives, formally extending the Embassy’s encouragement and full support.
Ambassador’s Message of Gratitude
In an official letter addressed to the Bhutanese community in Canada dated August 25, 2026, Ambassador Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk expressed deep appreciation for the community’s overwhelming participation:
“Living so far from home… distance does not weaken devotion, it deepens it. Every contribution, whatever its size, carried the same sincerity… This is not just generosity. It is identity.”
“His Majesty has often reminded us that Bhutan’s greatest strength is the unity of its people. What you have shown in Canada is living proof that being Bhutanese was never about geography. It is about carrying your King, your country, and your heritage within you, wherever you stand.”
Fundraising Summary & Coupon System
Across Canada, the campaign garnered contributions from 381 total donors, including 6 non-Bhutanese friends of Bhutan.
| Region | Total Amount Raised | Total Contributors | Non-Bhutanese Donors |
| Ontario (ABO) | CAD $27,108.00 | 188 | 3 |
| British Columbia (BABC) | CAD $25,858.00 | 193 | 3 |
| Total Nationwide | CAD $52,966.00 | 381 | 6 |
To recognize donors and offer a symbolic memento of the project, the Steering Committee introduced a custom coupon system:
- Gold Coupon ($1,080 CAD): Symbolizing a $10 contribution toward each of the 108 stupas.
- Silver Coupon ($108 CAD): Symbolizing a $1 contribution toward each of the 108 stupas.
To further incentivize contributions, appreciation raffle prizes were sponsored by community partners. Toronto-based Fercon Group generously sponsored an iPhone 17 for the Gold Coupon draw, while Druk Happy Sushi and Momo in Vancouver sponsored an Apple Watch for the Silver Coupon draw.
Transparency and Community Support
Throughout the three-month campaign, weekly donation updates were published on the official ABO website and distributed across official social media channels to ensure public accountability.
The Special Steering Committee extended its profound gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk and team, GMC Project Lead Dasho Tashi Dorji and team, corporate sponsors Fercon Group and Druk Happy Sushi and Momo, and every community member across Canada whose generosity made this historic contribution possible.
Download Full GMC 108 Stupa Contribution Report
For full details, transparency, and the complete donor list from Ontario and British Columbia, you can download the official document below: