BLIA Participated in “Keep NZ beautiful Week”

Fo Guang Shan (FGS) and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand have once again participated the “Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week” event with the Christchurch City Council on the 14th of September 2014. There were a total of 23 members of South Island Association including Venerable Jue Xi , BLIA President See Shen Lee and Vice-president Louisa Kuo who took this opportunity to improve the New Zealand environment. Through the event, the BLIA members implemented the “environment conservation and caring the Earth” philosophy, which was emphasised by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. In addition, the event has also provided a cleaner environment for Christchurch residents.

This year, the BLIA team members decided to follow previous year routes, to clean up the damaged Avonside river. Since the 2011 earthquake, the foundation of the Avonside river was badly damaged by liquefaction, forcing many residents to relocate. The BLIA members were divided into two groups to pick up the waste along the river after a simple briefing by North one sub chapter President Elsa Hayes. After two hours of hard work, the BLIA members managed to classify the wastes into recyclable and non-recyclable. The classified wastes were then sent to the Refuse and Recycling Centre by the BLIA Youth.

“Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week” was held for over 20 years. BLIA members involved in this event not only promoted the conservation of environment and raised public awareness towards caring the environment, but they also wish to spread the goodness of positive affinities to the public. Through this event, the BLIA members have reflected Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “3 good deeds” and “4 gives” concept.