English
The “2022 Global Veg-revival Virtual Community Run (VEGRUN)” begins on the 18th in North America. It has started running in major cities in the United States and Canada. This VEGRUN activity is jointly organized by the International Buddha's Light Association (BLIA) and the Pure Green Foundation. In Toronto, the VEGRUN was launched at the campus of the Markham Museum. More than 300 runners participated and ran 600 kilometres. All participants demonstrated their full support for charitable organizations, vegetarianism, and environmental sustainability.
Distinguished guests who participated in the inauguration of VEGRUN included Mayor Frank Scarpitti, MP Paul Chiang, Markham City Councillor Isa Lee, and Dr. Joseph Wong, Yee Hong Founder and Foundation Chair.
"Environmental and spiritual preservation is an important practice in Buddhism," Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, said in her welcome speech. She pointed out that the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun advocates the Three Acts of Goodness. "Do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts, we not only purify our body, speech, and mind but also purify the world together." The Abbess thanked everyone for supporting the VEGRUN event.
The North America “2022 Global Reviving Vegetables Online Charity Road Run (VEGRUN)” begins on the 18th and will finish on July 16. All funds raised will be donated to the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation and Mississauga Food Bank.
Frank Scarpitti, the Mayor of Markham, said, "I am very pleased that the BLIA Toronto chapter has chosen to host such a meaningful event at the most historical and cultural museum of Markham to promote vegetarianism and environmental protection."
Mabel Lam, the president of BLIA Toronto, on behalf of the BLIA Toronto chapter, thanked the Markham City Government for its support. She also gave thanks to the REHABHERO medical team for providing emergency medical services, and the BLIA team for their collective creation and efforts to make this run for health, joy, and charity possible.
~ by Christine Hsu
