On 17th October 2025, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland and the BLIA North Island Chapter visited Ormiston Primary School, New Zealand’s largest primary school, to kick off the first 2025 Global VEGRUN – You Run, I Plant Trees event of the year. This initiative supports Trees That Count, a national tree-planting organisation in New Zealand. Principal Heath McNeil led 450 enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 students, with each kilometre run resulting in a tree donated by the BLIA North Island Chapter. Many students went the extra mile to help reach the collective goal of 500 trees. Venerable MiaoYu and Deputy President Nick Yoong of BLIA North Island Chapter, along with other BLIA members, were present to support and coordinate the event.
Before the run, Venerable NengChien explained the purpose and significance of VEGRUN to the gathered teachers and students, thanking the school for their support and encouraging everyone to take part in environmental protection by living out the values of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. To boost student morale, BLIA members dressed in playful vegetable-themed costumes and cheered the students on. The enthusiastic participation of the teachers added warmth and joy, further promoting the effort to protect the Earth through tree planting.
Ormiston Primary School has participated in the VEGRUN for three consecutive years since 2023. Principal McNeil expressed strong support for this caring environment initiative and shared his appreciation for seeing students put their energy into environmental care. He thanked Fo Guang Shan for continuously hosting meaningful events that not only promote physical and mental well-being but also strengthen the bond between the school and the wider community. Teacher Edith Preiss led the students in warm-up exercises and encouraged them to challenge themselves and persevere in reaching their goals.
The students also sang the theme song of the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, We Got It, using music to promote the message: Do Good Deeds, Love the Earth. Principal McNeil presented Three Acts of Goodness gifts to outstanding students, while BLIA members handed out auspicious apples to help students replenish their energy. The event concluded in an atmosphere of joy and warmth.