Handover of New Committee for BLIA South Island

Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island had a Committee meeting and a monthly meeting on October 15, 10 am. Newly elected President, Vice Presidents and committee members took their batons from the former committee members. BLIA President Almeric Cheng hosted the meeting with the participation of Venerable Abbess Manshin as the advisor, Vice-President Mei-Hwa Chen, Advisor Lai, Venerable Juexi and around 40 other members.

Almeric expressed: The BLIA members could use a dignified temple today because of the vision and guidance of the abbess; besides giving the Buddhist devotees a chance to help out in the Christchurch earthquake, it also created public recognition and acceptance of Christchurch; he also thanked the abbess, the venerables and members as he served 6 years as a President in giving him encouragement and support; he also believe, continuing efforts of the new committees will bring out a better outcome.

North Subchapter President - Christine Wang, West Subchapter President - Susan Wu, Young Adult Division President – Hao-Tin Lin respectively gave reports followed by the Friendly Volunteer Community leader, Louisa Kuo giving activities of the upcoming year and encouraging more people in taking part in the activities.

Other agendas in discussion are: 1. Over 100 people from BLIA NZ visiting the opening of Buddha Memorial Centre. 2. The 2012 Pilgrimage. 3. The Sakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment Day. 4. The 2012 Volunteer Dinner. 5. Preparation of the 2012 Buddha’s Birthday. 6. Handover of the new President, Vice-President and Committee members.
Venerable Abbess Manshin acted as the witness for the handover ceremony with See-Shen Lee acting as the new BLIA South Island President, Gina Chen and Louisa Kuo as the new Vice-Presidents and other committee members officially took posts with dedication into promoting and practicing Humanistic Buddhism gaining great applauses.

Venerable Abbess Manshin then thanked Almeric for giving everyone a wonderful help and support, and served as a President for 6 years. Venerable Abbess Manshin then shared the success history that happened all these years, bringing a peaceful religion, a place of tranquility, a community of togetherness and a support to everyone in ending the meeting.