Pitt Meadows, BC – September 22, 2025.
The Heartfulness Institute Canada, in collaboration with the City of Pitt Meadows, successfully hosted a heartfelt Peace Day Celebration on Sunday, September 21st at the South Bonson Community Centre. The event brought together more than 190 community members, families, and youth to honour the spirit of peace, connection, and unity.
The celebration marked the conclusion of the 21 Days of Peacefulness Challenge, Heartfulness Canada’s flagship initiative around the UN International Day of Peace. This year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” captured both the urgency and the hope of our times. Each evening during the challenge, participants gathered for about 40 minutes to explore practical tools for inner and outer peace. The strength of the program lies in its consistency, daily reflection, practice, and togetherness. Participants who completed the challenge were recognized as Peace Ambassadors and awarded certificates for their commitment to fostering peace.
Highlights of the evening included:
- A special message from the Hon. Prime Minister Mark Carney for the Heartfulness Team
- Although unable to attend in person, the Premier of British Columbia conveyed his warm greetings and congratulations to the organizers and participants through a special video message
- Soulful music and guided meditation that uplifted the community
- A youth art activity where children shared their vision of peace through creativity
- A moving recognition ceremony honouring Peace Ambassadors
- Recognition of Peace Champions for their exemplary contributions to peace in the community. This year’s recipients were Chief Grace George, Dr. Praveen Goel, Alanda Greene, Neeraj Kumar, and Kalakar Junction
- A community peace photobooth where participants shared messages of hope and harmony
Distinguished guests added to the significance of the event. Among the attendees were Chief Grace George of the Katzie First Nation, Mayor Nicole Macdonald of Pitt Meadows, Hon. Wally Oppal, Councillor Bob Meachen, and other community leaders and influencers.
The evening opened with a beautiful song and prayer led by Chief Grace George and Mr. Damian George, offering a spiritual start to the celebration. Soulful performances by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy, along with an inspiring panel discussion with dignitaries, emphasized the importance of HEART work with hard work. Touching stories, including those shared by Mr. Wally Oppal about missing women in BC and the reforms he inspired in policing, were deeply moving and reminded everyone of the urgent need for compassion and change.
The evening also reminded participants that peace is not distant, it is a lived experience that begins in the heart and radiates outward. Through guided meditation, attendees experienced how inner peace can ripple into families, communities, and ultimately, the world. Personal transformation, as emphasized throughout the program, becomes the foundation for global peace.
The Heartfulness Institute Canada extends heartfelt gratitude to the City of Pitt Meadows, its volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and all participants for making the celebration a success.
About Heartfulness Institute Canada
Heartfulness Institute is a registered Charitable Organization in Canada offering simple, inclusive, and heart-based meditation practices that are non-denominational and open to all. Through free programs and outreach initiatives, Heartfulness fosters inner transformation, mental well-being, and community unity in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and neighbourhoods.
In 2025, Heartfulness Canada proudly celebrates 51 years of service, continuing its mission to nurture individual growth and collective peace across the country.
