BLIA Visits old folks home to Warm Up Their Winter

The winter season is in full swing, and although Christchurch is shrouded under a cold atmosphere, this has not affected the warm attitudes of BLIA members. Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand, in conjunction with Anthony Wilding Retirement Village's International Cultural Exchange Month function, had volunteers visiting the retirement village on the 11th of July through an invitation from the function's organizer Sue Moriss. BLIA South Island NZ Vice President and Service Team Leader Louisa Kuo, Vice President Elsa Lee, other BLIA members and Youth Adult Division (YAD) members, a total of 15 people.

Mrs. Kui Fah Jong began the visit by reciting two songs – 'Harmonise' and 'My hometown is at Fo Guang Shan', the latter, which was translated from Chinese to English to reflect the meaning of the lyrics. Later on, the BLIA YAD sung 'Harmonise' as a group, followed by the BLIA directors and senior members who joyously sang 'My hometown is at Fo Guang Shan' together.

Nursing staff present that day were also taken up by the happy mood, joining in with the singing and dancing, while the elderly folks clapped along. Sue then led all the visiting BLIA members around the place, along the corridors close to every room, filling the retirement village with the sounds of 'My hometown is at Fo Guang Shan'. All at once, the halls became lively with music, as the BLIA member's enthusiasm shone through, touching the place with heart-felt warmth.

After the performance, the BLIA senior members and YAD group stayed to have some conversations with the elderly folks. The elders were especially grateful and delighted to have had BLIA's company over the weekend. On speaking to the elders, the YAD members also found out how they, the elders, wished very much to meet with their family more often. The YAD were especially touched by this, and promised to show more loving care to their parents.