Festival food preparation
Wash, chop, cook and pack the food for our big celebrations. Many hands make the work light, and it is a joyful way to meet families.
សូមស្វាគមន៍
Volunteer & community
Volunteer at our Khmer temple: many hands, one community
Festivals and everyday life at the temple are made by many hands. Whatever your skills, your time or your language, there is a place for you here.
Why we volunteer
Service is part of the practice
In Theravada Buddhism, generosity (dāna) and service are among the most valued ways to make merit. Cooking a meal, setting up a hall or welcoming a newcomer is part of that practice, and it is how our community looks after itself.
Volunteers of every age are welcome. Come for an hour or for a whole festival day, whichever suits you.
What you can expect
- Meet families, monks and neighbours from across the community
- Learn about Khmer customs from the people who keep them alive
- Share in the meals and friendship that come with our festivals
- Give your time, your skills or simply a helping hand
Ways to help
Find your place
Here are some of the ways you can help. Choose what suits you in the sign-up form further down the page.
Kitchen & serving
Keep the kitchen running on festival days and serve the community meal with care, so that everyone is looked after.
Setup & cleanup
Arrange tables, chairs and decorations before a ceremony, then tidy up afterwards so the hall is ready for the next gathering.
Parking & greeting
Help guide cars on busy days and welcome visitors with a smile. A friendly greeting is often the first thing people remember.
Youth & Khmer class helpers
Help children and young people learn the Khmer language and temple customs, and support our youth activities.
Livestream, tech & photography
Help with sound, livestreaming and photography at ceremonies, so families far away can join in and our moments are remembered.
Temple grounds care
Keep the gardens, pathways and shrine areas clean and cared for. Tending the grounds is a quiet, mindful way to give back.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what you enjoy and how much time you can give, and we will help you find a good fit.
Festivals & dana
ការប្រគេនភត្តHow food offering (dana) works
Dana, or generosity, is at the heart of every festival. Here is what to expect when you come to offer food at the temple.
- Prepare with care. Cook at home or join the kitchen team at the temple. Keep the food simple, clean and ready to serve.
- Arrive a little early. Monks take their last meal before noon, so offerings are made in the morning or at lunch. Arriving early gives you time to find your place.
- Receive the blessings. After the offering, the monks chant blessings for those who gave. Sit quietly and join your palms in respect.
- Share the meal. Once the monks have eaten, the community shares the meal together. It is a happy time to meet neighbours and friends.
Good to know
- Monks’ last meal
- Taken before noon.
- Typical times
- Morning alms around 7:00 AM and the lunch offering around 11:00 AM. Times may change on holy days.
- Dress & conduct
- Modest clothing, and shoes off before entering the main hall.
- Festival dates
- See the events page. Times are confirmed closer to each event and shared on our Facebook.
Sign up
Tell us how you would like to help
Fill in the form and we will be in touch. Please give a phone number, an email address, or both, so we can reply. Prefer to talk? Call (613) 836-0938 or (613) 262-0090.
ការបរិច្ចាគ
Not able to volunteer just yet?
You can still support the temple. Your gift helps keep the temple open, supports the monks and feeds the community at festival time.
Donate through CanadaHelpsOttawa-Hull Cambodian Buddhist Association Inc. · Registered Canadian charity BN 119071611RR0001 · CanadaHelps issues tax receipts for eligible donations.