Bhutanese in Canada Raise Over $52K for GMC 108 Stupa Project

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: 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: 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: Download GMC 108 Stupa Contribution Report (PDF)

Khenpo Tashi Tenzin: A Life Offered in Service to the Dharma

In recognition of his years of service, depth of practice, and ongoing commitment to the Dharma, Khenpo Tashi Tenzin was formally conferred the title of Khenpo during His Eminence Tsula Lopen Rinpoche’s Dharma Tour on July 10, 2026 — marking a new chapter in his continuing spiritual responsibility. Born in Kanglung, Bhutan, he showed a deep calling toward the study and practice of Buddhadharma from an early age. His formal education began at Kanglung Buddhist College, where he laid the philosophical and monastic foundations that would shape his life’s path. Khenpo went on to complete a Master’s degree in Buddhist Philosophy at Tango University in 2014, developing a rigorous understanding of the sutras and shastras. Committed to a path that joined scholarship with direct practice, he then undertook a one-year Ngöndro retreat at Chari Goenpa, completing the preliminary practices that prepare the mind for deeper realization. The following year, he entered a three-year retreat at Drolung Goenpa. He emerged in 2019 having received the complete Pelden Drukpai Damnga lineage transmission directly from His Holiness Chabje Jutsen Tenzin Dhendup — a transmission that formally connected him to an unbroken lineage of teachers and entrusted him with the responsibility of preserving and sharing these teachings. In 2020, Khenpo Tashi Tenzin began teaching as a lecturer at Kanglung Shedra, guiding a new generation of students in Buddhist philosophy. He was then appointed Lam of Trimshing Dungkhag in Tashigang, where he served the local community’s spiritual needs for four years with humility and dedication. A new chapter began when His Eminence Tsula Lopen Rinpoche established the Bhutan Dharma Centre in Toronto, Canada, to serve the Bhutanese community and support the practice of Buddhadharma abroad. Khenpo Tashi Tenzin was appointed the centre’s first Lam, a role in which he continues to support the spiritual life of the Bhutanese diaspora and all who visit the centre. May Khenpo Tashi Tenzin continue this path of service with wisdom and compassion, supporting the Bhutanese community in Canada as it builds a new life abroad. May the Bhutan Dharma Centre continue to grow as a place of refuge and learning, and may his work continue to benefit all beings. Sarva Mangalam.

Project 108: A Sacred Call That Reaches Every Bhutanese Heart

Project 108 is a Royal initiative announced by His Majesty The King to build 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City. For Bhutanese in Ontario and around the world, it is more than a sacred project in Bhutan. It is a call to remember who we are, where we come from, and what we can build together through faith, service, and unity.