Joyce Williams with the appreciation plaque presented to her by the Mahavihara Buddhist Temple. Bob Kinnear attended and participated in the ceremony on behalf of Local 113 members.

An ATU Local 113 member was honoured today by the Toronto Buddhist community. The Scarborough Mahavihara Buddhist Temple paid tribute to bus operator Joyce Williams at their east end temple for her heroic act last year. The temple is a place of worship and meditation for many new Canadians from the South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka.

Williams was driving on Kingston Road past the temple in the early hours of November 27, 2009 when she noticed smoke coming from the wooden building. Williams called 911 and waited for emergency vehicles to arrive. Later, it was discovered that the blaze was deliberately set by someone using gasoline. 

Vice-president of the temple, Ben Seneviratne, called Williams a true hero and said that temple members could never thank her enough for her courage. “Others would have kept driving or would not have even noticed the fire,” he said. “Part of our Buddhist teachings is to be mindful or aware of our surroundings. Joyce Williams demonstrated that awareness on the day that our temple was in danger. We will never forget what she has done.” 

Temple members and Sunday Dhamma School children presented Williams with flowers, a plaque, and gifts for her family. Flanked by her husband, children and other family members, an emotional Williams was clearly touched by the recognition. “All I can say is thank you for your kind words,” said Williams. “This means so much to me.”

Bob Kinnear, president of ATU Local 113, attended the tribute and took part in an oil lighting ceremony. “Joyce Williams exemplifies all of the hardworking members of ATU Local 113 and their commitment to our city.  Our members play an important role in protecting the safety of Toronto’s communities. On behalf of the union, we are so proud of Joyce’s professionalism and dedication to her job.”

About 300 temple members gathered on Saturday for William’s recognition, as well as the Deputy Counsel for Sri Lanka in Toronto, who glowingly extended his country’s gratitude to her.

Joyce spotted smoke coming from this temple at 1:30 am while driving her bus on Kingston Road. She immediately called 911 and waited for the firefighters to arrive. They came quickly and were able to contain the fire and save the temple. If they had arrived a few minutes later, it would have been too late. The Sri Lankan community that built the temple praised Joyce as a heroine.

The hundreds who attended the Buddhist ceremony inside the temple gave Joyce and her family a standing ovation - twice!