Christchurch Earthquake Report No. 6

Christchurch Earthquake - Many gather at the Relief Centre

Mr Ron Wright, advisor of Buddha's Light International Association South Island NZ, visited the Fo Guang Relief Service Centre on Feb 24. He was happy to be part of the relief efforts provided by the temple, and helped delivering free hot meals to victims of the earthquake. Abbess Manshin also met with Ron, a former city councillor, to discuss ways to make donations to help various government organizations providing welfare.

Ms Lin, a member and branch secretary of BLIA, came to the Relief Centre on Feb 24 and shared her traumatic experience in this devastating earthquake. Her retail shop had collapsed, and she was very lucky to crawl out alive. A spectator had captured her escape on a cell phone camera, and the whole scene has been posted on TV news and YouTube. Ms Lin wanted to come to the temple to let everyone know that she survived.

Glenda Hope, the Chairperson of the English Branch of BLIA, also visited the Relief Centre on Feb 24. Glenda lives in Lyttelton, the epicentre of the most recent earthquake. Luckily her house did not suffer too much damage, but due to broken telephone lines, blocked tunnels and highways, she had not been able to make contact with the temple until now. After much effort, she was finally able to make the trip to the temple - it took her almost 3 hours (normally 30 min). Abbess Manshin gave her biscuits and basic supplies to take back to her town for the victims.