The BLIA North Island enthusiastically promoted the Pure Green Foundation’s global VegRun initiative, hosting two events on 31 October 2024 at Dawson Primary and Mangere East Primary Schools. Nearly 900 students participated, energetically running a combined distance of approximately 1,250 kilometres, which equates to planting 250 trees. This accomplishment demonstrates their commitment to caring for the Earth and creating a greener future. BLIA North Island President Yulin Ku, Venerable NengChien and the BLIA members attended to cheer on the students. Mangere East Primary also invited the team to the school assembly on 4 November for a VegRun awards ceremony, expressing gratitude for the Temple in promoting a healthy and eco-conscious lifestyle.
Embracing the aim You Run, I Plant Trees, BLIA North Island Chapter committed to donating a tree for every 5 kilometres run by students, supporting New Zealand’s tree-planting organisation, Trees That Count. Venerable NengChien shared the significance of the run with students and teachers, introducing the FGS Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings philosophy. Through their running and effort, participants practised doing good deeds by helping to plant trees encouraging each other with kind words to complete the run, and cultivating positive thoughts by running for the planet. Together, the students sang the 3G4G song as part of their pre-run warm-up, setting an uplifting tone for the day.
Dawson Primary School, which has participated in the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing for three consecutive years, was involved in the VegRun for the first time. Principal Tarayn Zeier expressed deep appreciation for the BLIA’s initiative, noting that students were not running for competitive ranking but rather with the joyful intention that each lap completed would contribute a tree to the Earth. This sense of purpose brought happiness and excitement to the students as they ran. Sports teacher Bonita Pesaleli remarked on the honour of collaborating with Fo Guang Shan NZ to generate a positive impact on the planet, sharing her pride in the students’ enthusiasm and sense of achievement.
For Mangere East Primary, also a first-time VegRun participant, the event brought together teachers, the Auckland City Council’s animal management team and the wider community, all united in spreading the message of environmental care. Principal Stephanie Anich shared her enthusiasm, she decided to involve the students upon learning about VegRun’s goals of fostering health and environmental awareness. She highlighted the warmth and encouragement from community volunteers, which left her grateful and inspired by the collective spirit.
The BLIA members cheered on the students, gifting them with auspicious apples and presenting Three Goodness Dolls to outstanding participants, bringing a delightful surprise to the young runners. This VegRun experience infused the community with a sense of joy, spreading seeds of positivity and fostering a strong spirit of care and unity throughout the local community.