Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 19, 2023

On September 9th at the office of "United Daily News (Philippines)," Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Philippines handed over 66 bags of charitable rice and some daily food items donated from the“VegRun” charity tractor road run event.

BLIA Philippines President Lin Mei Xuan, Vice President Gong Ying Ying, Secretary-General Zhan Man Ling, and Treasurer Chen Bao Zhen represented Fo Guang Shan (FGS) at the donation ceremony. United Daily News (Philippines) General Manager Zhuang Shu Fu, Accounting Director Su Sa Li, and representatives from the Philippine military, including Sgt. Doctor, Sgt. Quitorio, and PVT Padua, received these supplies on behalf of the recipients. They will be responsible for delivering these items to the typhoon victims in Palawan and donating them to the Marine Barracks in Palawan.

BLIA Philippines President Lin Mei Xuan supervised the process of transporting these supplies. photo／The Life News Agency

“VegRun” in “Veg-revival Virtual Community Run” is the abbreviation of vegan run and vegetarian run, which means running to promote vegetarianism and running for the earth. Vege-Revival represents awakening to restore vitality.

Participating in VEGRUN not only contributes to charity, but also protect environment and reduce global warming by promoting vegetarianism.

Fo Guang members helped load the items onto the vehicle. photo／The Life News Agency

In response to the "Veg-revival Community Run," I.B.P.S. Manila - Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple initiated a running event in July. Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess of FGS Mabuhay Temple, along with Lin Mei Xuan, led BLIA Philippines executives, each subchapter, and Three Acts of Goodness Schools in organizing VegRuns in July and August. Over the past two months, a total of 10,824 kilometers were run, and 1,000 kilograms of rice were raised.

The benefactors who donated these supplies include: BLIA Philippines; Dr. Lin Yu-Ching, Chairman of Dona Maria's Agritech Corporation; Hong Wen Tan, Vice President of BLIA Philippines; URATEX Corporation; Dai Su Mian, Ke Hui Yuan, and others. This event holds significant meaning, as participants aim to spread love through running, bringing joy and hope to others.

Benefactors took a group photo in front of FGS Mabuhay Temple. photo／The Life News Agency