2026/05/18
Ahead of Mother’s Day this year, Vitality For All hosted a special appreciation event, “The Love We Don’t Always Say Out Loud,” inviting participants to rediscover the love and care mothers quietly express through the little things they do every day.
In addition to the enthusiastic participation of many community members, we were also honoured to welcome Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and Councillor James Wang to the event. They joined participants in experiencing the activities and helped share the values of gratitude and care with the community. Both guests warmly connected with attendees and took part in the activities themselves, including decorating cookies by hand as a simple but heartfelt way to express appreciation for mothers.
So often, we become accustomed to a mother’s care and presence. Her reminders, worries, and even the occasional nagging can easily become part of everyday life. Yet when we take a moment to look back, we begin to realize that behind those seemingly ordinary words lies a deep sense of love, concern, and devotion.
This event featured four interactive stations that guided participants on a journey from connection and understanding to meaningful action, helping them experience the warmth of a mother’s love step by step.
At the first station, “What If Mom Had KPIs?”, participants reflected on a mother’s everyday contributions by turning them into a series of “performance indicators” — from caring for the family and checking in on her children to quietly taking on countless responsibilities. The activity helped participants see more clearly the years of effort often hidden within everyday routines, while also encouraging them to think about whether they had truly acknowledged and responded to that care.
At the second station, “Little Moments with Mom,” participants were invited to choose from a collection of thoughtfully selected lyric cards and pick the line that resonated with them most. By scanning a QR code, they could listen to the corresponding song and, through its melody and lyrics, reflect on a mother’s quiet yet deeply felt love. As the music played, many were reminded of the care they may have once taken for granted—the small acts of support, concern, and devotion woven into everyday life.
Participants were then invited to share a personal memory or story about their mothers. Through remembering and telling these stories, they had the chance to rediscover the warmth and preciousness of a mother’s love. After sharing, each participant received a hand-drawn postcard featuring an illustration inspired by a mother’s companionship and care. Through a song, a story, a memory, and a small keepsake, feelings of gratitude gradually came to the surface, turning words often left unspoken into heartfelt appreciation and blessings.
At the third station, “The Silent Love of Mothers,” a series of heartwarming photographs encouraged many participants to stop, look, and reflect. Each image captured a moment of maternal care and companionship—whether between people or in the animal world. In the quiet act of viewing these scenes, participants were invited to notice forms of love that are often overlooked and, for many, to think of their own mothers.
Finally, participants turned feelings that are often difficult to put into words into meaningful action by decorating cookies by hand. A simple “Thank you” and a heartfelt creation made with their own hands became some of the most meaningful gifts they could give to their mothers.
Throughout the event, we saw many warm smiles, while some participants were moved to tears as memories of their mothers came flooding back. These sincere moments of reflection, connection, and emotional sharing became the most meaningful part of the event.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this event, and to Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and Councillor James Wang for their support and encouragement. Most of all, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every mother whose quiet, selfless love continues to nurture and support her family and children.
May we all find a little more time in our busy lives to understand, to be present, and to show we care—to put love into words and turn gratitude into action.
