Charles Upham Rest home residents visited FGS Christchurch in early Spring
In spite of spring having started in New Zealand, the climate is still harshly cold like winter. On 6 September, 17 elderly residents of Charles Upham Rest Home in Rangiora, Canterbury visited the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch, led by two caregivers, on a morning after hail and cold weather.
The BLIA member greeted the elders with lotus hand gesture, surprising and inspiring them. Then, they introduced the FGS Christchurch and Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun and led everyone to visit the art gallery's "Songs for Remembrance" exhibition, the light and shadow design of the Time corridor, the Buddha Hall, and the courtyard. People enjoyed copying Buddhist scriptures in the Buddha Hall and ringing the happiness bell in the courtyard. After the visit, everyone enjoyed tea at the Water Drop Cafe. The residents were given the 2022 BLIA activities report and the 2023 FGS New Zealand calendar by the staff, and Lisa, one of the caregivers, accepted them on behalf of the rest home and said she would place them in the library for everyone to read.
The elders smiled and praised the beautiful environment of the temple, the delicious vegetarian food at the Water Drop Cafe, and the friendly service staff. Gloria said that every corner of the temple was fascinating and she felt the dedication of the staff. Ann was happy to visit the temple and would invite her family to come here for a meal in the future. Lisa was pleased to learn that the next exhibition at the art museum would feature a ceramic art exhibition by 21 local artists, and she said she would arrange for more elderly residents to attend.
In order to enhance the value of the elderly's later years, Charles Upham Rest Home arranges for them to visit different places on the first Tuesday of every month. Lisa hopes that the elders will get to know the different cultures and religions in the area. Since several residents had visited and highly praised FGS Christchurch in the past, Lisa locked in the goal of this month's activity on the temple.
Optimistic and cheerful Ann enthusiastically introduced the background story of Charles Upham Rest Home to the BLIA member: the home was named after New Zealand national hero Charles Upham. Born in Christchurch, Charles Upham enlisted during World War II and represented New Zealand on the battlefield. His brave fighting was praised, and he was awarded two Victoria Crosses, the highest military decoration in the Commonwealth, for his heroic deeds. Even when he was captured as a prisoner of war during the war, Charles never gave up and fought to the end. After World War II, Charles returned to New Zealand and farmed in the northern Canterbury region until his death. Generous and enthusiastic about public welfare, Charles was always respected by local residents. His funeral was held in the center of Christchurch, and not only was the city crowded, but there was also a memorial service held in London, England, where people from all over New Zealand and the United Kingdom attended to pay tribute to this great hero.