On on 12th November, Fo Guang Shan Christchurch and BLIA NZ South Island held their second VegRun event at Te Kōmanawa Rowley School in Christchurch. A total of 90 students took part and ran a combined distance of 200 kilometres. BLIA South Island will donate NZ$2,000 to plant 200 native trees through New Zealand’s tree-planting organisation, Trees That Count to help protect the environment.
BLIA South Island 3rd Subchapter President Deirdre Johns introduced the purpose of VegRun and thanked the school for its support and the students for taking part. BLIA members also shared the Three Acts of Goodness spirit before the run: Do Good Deeds by helping to plant trees, Say Good Words by cheering on their classmates, and Think Good Thoughts by wishing for a greener planet.
Teacher Nicole Rowse thanked the organisers for arranging the event. She shared that it was a good opportunity for students to learn about protecting the environment through exercise and encouraged them to care for the Earth in their daily lives.
Students also shared their experiences. Mikkel said he felt great after the run because he knew he was helping the environment. David said he was happy to have completed 12 laps with his friends and thanked the organisers for the apples they received. Arthur said that planting more trees would help provide more oxygen for the Earth. He also enjoyed seeing everyone do their best and challenge themselves, which he felt was the most meaningful part of the day.
