東蓮覺苑的創立，源於一份延續宏願的初心。何鴻毅居士CM，OBC於1994年於溫哥華發心建苑，繼承祖母張蓮覺居士的願行，使佛法在北美開展新頁。蓮覺居士於1935年在香港創建東蓮覺苑，開設佛寺、義學與學佛社，立願於紅塵中弘法利生，為都市佛教開創新局。苑名「東蓮」取自「何東」與「張蓮覺」二人之名，象徵護持與願力的結合。

延續此志，加國東蓮覺苑選址於溫哥華市區，成為亞洲佛法西傳的重要節點，使信仰融入人群，落實於日常。

加苑除承襲漢傳佛教儀軌，亦融合西方重視教育與人文的精神，逐步拓展佛學教育、文化活動與慈善行動，當中包括大學及社區服務捐助，大學及醫護機構的佛教關顧服務。為服務長者，加苑設立長者住宅「蓮覺樓」，以蓮覺居士命名，延續慈護本懷。

在多功能講內掛有香港佛教聯合會覺光長老題贈本苑創立對聯：「淨蓮華競發，東土燦西來」。與副會長黃允畋居士亦聯名賀聯：「東蓮淨業千秋永茂，覺苑遺風萬代長春」，為法脈延續之深切祝願。

本苑自創辦以來，亦推動佛門網中、英、西班牙文弘法平台，透過網絡弘傳佛法。從實體寺院到數位弘法，加苑持續實踐信願，致力使佛法成為可親、可行的修學依止。

In 1994, Mr. Robert HN Ho, CM, OBC founded Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society in Vancouver, as a continuation of the great vow of his grandmother, Lady Clara Cheung Lin Kok, to spread the Dharma. In 1935, Lady Clara established Tung Lin Kok Yuen in the urban area in Hong Kong, alongside a free girl school and a Buddhist society to share the Dharma in the city. The name “Tung Lin,” was drawn from Sir “Ho Tung” and Lady Clara Cheung “Lin Kok,” symbolizes the union of patronage and devotion.

Carrying forward this aspiration, Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society was established in the city of Vancouver as a significant milestone in the transmission of the Dharma from Asia the West. It was envisioned as a way to bring Buddhist faith into people’s daily lives and integrate  it within the local community.

Rooted in Chinese Mahayana traditions, the temple Society s Western values of education and humanism, fostering Buddhist studies, cultural events, and philanthropy including donation to universities and community services, Buddhist care services to university and healthcare institutes. To honor the elderly, it established Lin Kok Manor, a senior residence named after Lady. Cheung, manifesting Buddhist care and compassion.

In the multipurpose hall, two couplets were gifted to commemorate the establishment of the Society: Venerable Kok Kwong of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association: “Pure lotus flowers completing to bloom,  the soil from the East  shines in the West.” Mr. Wong Yun Ting, Vice President of the Buddhist Association offered: “Tung Lin’s  charitable deeds flourish in eternity, Kok Yuen’s legacy evergreens for generations.” These words bless the temple’s enduring legacy.

Since its establishment, the Society has launched an online Buddhist multimedia platform, Buddhistdoor in Chinese, English, and Espanol to share the Dharma digitally. From physical halls to virtual outreach, the Society remains a beacon of faith, making Buddhist practice accessible and inspiring.