BLIA & Interfaith Society plants 1000 trees

In order to promote the greening of our community space, Christchurch City Council encourages everyone every year to take part in tree planting events hosted at parks and beaches around the Canterbury region. Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand, in accordance with Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s philosophy of “Environmental and Spiritual Preservation”, took part in one of these tree planting events on the 24th of September, together with others from the Canterbury Interfaith Society. A total of 1000 small saplings were planting around the river bank within the Halswell quarry park area to reduce soil erosion. BLIA South Island President See Shen Lee, Vice Presidents Louisa Kuo, Elsa Lee and James Low, Director Mei-Hwa Chen, BLIA YAD members and Dianne from the interfaith society made up a team of 20 people, which is about a quarter of the 80 plus Canterbury folks that volunteered their time that day.

Nigel the park ranger explained to the group how to carefully ease the tree sapling out of its milk carton container, and place it into a hole in the ground with already loosened soil. With everyone’s cooperative attitude, a thousand saplings were planted quickly within an hour’s time. An adorable little boy was seen picking up a filled water container, and watering one of the already planted trees - using his small effort to participate in this greening the Earth movement.

One of the park ranger, Robbie, was delighted to see the BLIA members return this year for more planting, and specially prepared some vegetarian sushi for tea time. BLIA YAD’s Thomas and Vincent expressed their pleasure after finishing the job, being glad to have had helped out with greening the environment. Jess from the interfaith society said that she tends to take part in these outdoor environmental events quite often, and hoped that more of her friends will join next time. BLIA New member Mrs. Chen thought that she was taking part in a laborious volunteering activity, yet it turned out to be more like a big party! Over the course of the day, she was also touched by the dedication and selfless attitude of BLIA members in providing services to the community. For this activity, BLIA folks have not only lived up to protecting the environment, but also went out to socialise with other friends - adding more positive energy and fun into the community.