FGS South Island shared the Congee warmth to Public
In New Zealand, the end of every year marks a time when many immigrant families head back to their hometown, and what better way to send them off by giving them some delicious Laba congee before their trip home. From 6-7 December, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ launched the Sharing Laba Congee warmth to neighbours event, with Temple Minister in Charge Venerable Jue Xi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ President Bernie, BLIA committee members and many volunteers up to 30 people happily taking part in the activities.
Starting from six o’clock in the morning, the kitchen team began to cook the congee. The process went smoothly as most of the congee ingredients were prepared the day before. On the first day, 1200 bowls of Laba congee were cooked and packed in 3 hours and on the second day, 800 bowls were made in two and half hours.
FGS South Island NZ have been promoting Laba congee in Christchurch for many years now and has made a name of its own, with many people from the local community coming to pick up their serving of Laba congee. In order to spread the warmth even further, volunteers wasted no time to visit shops, associations, cafes, schools and other places early in the day, with a great response. The first day, 500 bowls of Laba congee were sent to 23 locations, with another 600 picked up in person. The next day saw more than 700 being sent out again to individuals who have registered their name. At Christchurch Rudolf Steiner and St James, both of which are Christian schools, the teachers and students gladly accepted the Laba congee and connected with the significance of celebrating Buddha’s Enlightenment Day.
Over the two day Laba congee event, some people said that they missed the flavour of the Laba congee very much, and so would come to pick it up every year. For those who tried it for the first time, they certainly found the event interesting and gave the cultural experience a go, and some even called their friends to the temple to try the delicious Laba congee. Some tourists who had the good timing and fortune to taste the congee really enjoyed the sensational flavour. Others said that eating the Laba congee reminded them of their hometown. Those receiving the Laba congee responded enthusiastically to the Vege Plan campaign for making the planet a better place.
Nearly 2000 bowls of Laba congee were sent to Christchurch residents over the two day Sharing Laba Congee warmth to neighbours event. By practicing the true meaning of Humanistic Buddhism through this meaningful community bonding activity, BLIA South Island NZ members felt real joy in their hearts, and wishes everyone a very delightful Buddha’s Enlightenment day.