BLIA South Island Sends Love and Warmth to Families

In order to make Christchurch low-income households spend a cosy Christmas, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand's annual "Spreading Love and Warmth" Activity was run recently. Led by BLIA South Island NZ president See Shen Lee and North one Sub chapter President Elsa Lee, provisions collected were ready to be presented to Christchurch City Mission – a welfare institution, which would then go to families in need.

On 17th December, Fo Guang Shan South Island supervisor Venerable Jue Xi, Elsa and BLIA members delivered the items to Christchurch City Mission. The Christchurch food bank coordinator Mary Wood accepted the supplies on behalf of the institution. This year BLIA South Island has donated a total of over 30 boxes of food and everyday products, which are all daily necessities. In the near future old-fashioned second-hand furniture will be donated to low-income families, which will also enable the reuse of the items.

Mary Wood thanked BLIA South Island for the annual donation and pointed out that ordinarily there are more than 500 people per month coming to receive free food, whereas over a hundred daily will come during Christmas holiday. She also commented that BLIA South Island’s donation had provided them with considerable assistance in this session.

Elsa pointed out that Christmas is the most important festival of the year in Western countries, so care from the community was especially needed. BLIA South Island has continuously run the "spread love and warmth" campaign for three years and gathered the public to help the community. Simultaneously, offering help make people feel happy.

The action has put Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s spirit of “Three good deed” and “Four Givings” into practice. Moreover, BLIA member took advantage of this rare opportunity to give their care, hoping that people can spend a pleasant Christmas holiday.