On 9th December 2023, Fo Guang Shan Christchurch’s Water Drop Cafe hosted a Lunch Buffet & Afternoon Tea event, attracting over 160 locals and BLIA members. The event provided the public to savour a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes in the Temple’s beautiful garden and the pleasant atmosphere.
The courtyard was bustling with guests on the day, and the café offered nearly 40 vegetarian dishes. The menu featured a combination of Chinese and Western cuisines, along with a variety of drinks, desserts and snacks. There were also make-to-order food stalls on site bringing delightful surprises to the guests. The thoughtful setup and the wide variety of options reflect the team’s dedication to spreading joy and delivering enthusiastic service to the community.
The attendees thoroughly enjoyed the meal, expressing surprise and appreciation for the rich variety of vegetarian options. They commended the organisers for their thoughtful planning and warm service. Many guests shared that the dining experience was energising and recharging and looked forward to participating in future events.
FGS NZ Abbess Manshin expressed the importance of organising such food events to share the benefits of a vegetarian with a healthy lifestyle and to cultivate compassion. Additionally, these interactions allow people to appreciate the diverse range of cuisines and elevate their quality of life through cultural exchange.
More than 40 volunteers participated in this event and worked diligently in various roles, preparing the food and venue before the event. The volunteers felt a deep sense of happiness and contentment, the recognition from guests for the delectable food and the elegant environment.