Christchurch Earthquake Award For BLIA New Zealand
On 18th December evening, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin, Temple supervisor Venerable Jue Xi, Venerable Miao Yu, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) president See Shen Lee and 10 BLIA members have invited to attend the second anniversary of “Christchurch Earthquake Award” which held in Christchurch Christ College. The award is given by Mayor Bob Parker to praise the relief service that provided by BLIA during earthquake.
During the 22nd February earthquake on 2011, the reason FGS south island and BLIA have awarded for this “Christchurch Earthquake Award” is the relief service that included donated over 100,000 New Zealand Dollar to Christchurch City Council, provided free hot meal for two weeks, basic medical supply, hygiene supply, also reopen the temple for public for offering lights and comfort those who in shocked; by providing the support to New Zealand Police in translating and printing service. Beside FGS been awarded, other well known organisation and group such as Air New Zealand, Catholic Diocese of Christchurch, Rehua Marae, Trade Aid Importers Limited, Garden City Helicopters and etc.
“Christchurch Earthquake Award” honour those Individual, group and organisation who undertook acts of kindness, service or heroism during the earthquakes. The nomination were submitted by the public and confirmed by the Christchurch City Council. The Christchurch City Council presented the first round of the Christchurch Earthquakes Awards in February 2012. A second and final round of awards presented on 18 December 2012.
In this final round of award, 128 individual and 44 group and organisation were awarded. Fo Guang Shan is the only Asian ethic religious representative in this award. Guests that attended the award on that night were Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, Christchurch MP for Christchurch Central Nicky Wagner, Labour party member of Parliament Ruth Dyson, Councillors representing Riccarton-Wigram ward Jimmy Chen, Helen Brouhton and etc., more than 600 people have gather in the school hall to witness the moment.
Traditional Maori and Haka performance were preform in the beginning of the ceremony. Mayor Bob Parker praise for the individual, group and organisation that performed the act of kindness during the earthquake; the act shows the humble and also bring some positive act and set a role model for the Christchurch. Mayor congratulate each individual, group and organisation. Venerable Abbess Manshin and President Lee represented FGS and BLIA to accept the award. BLIA member and crowds were given a big applause as everyone agreed the act of kindness and compassionate of FGS and BLIA.
Before concluded the ceremony, Christchurch secret identity superheroes Flat Man and Quake Kid were awarded as they have provided relief services to students and those in need. The Superheroes costumes that match the Mayor's costume and their heroic pose have entertained everyone. Mayor once again thanked for attended and wish everyone have a pleasant Christmas and new year holiday.
After the ceremony, Abbess, venerables and BLIA members were having a short moment with Mayor Bob Parker and Parliament member Ruth Dyson. Both were update their current situation and encourage each other for the best. Mayor again congratulate FGS new Zealand and BLIA been awarded and also the act of BLIA during the earthquake. He stated that FGS and BLIA will be the important part during the rebuilding of Christchurch and the temple will always be the landmark that comfort those who in need.