Since its founding in 1991, BLIA members worldwide has spared no effort in caring for the underprivileged in the spirit of “unconditional compassion and loving-kindness.” The various programs BLIA chapters have conducted and participated in aim to alleviate the survival and developmental problems of the developing countries.
1) “Zero Hunger” soymilk stations have been operating for years in Paraguay to provide free supply of 77,034 liters of soymilk for families in the slums, totaling 20,350 gallons a year. This Christmas, 500 packs of South American Christmas sweetbread and 1,000 packets of chocolate were distributed to children for an early Christmas celebration.
2) BLIA Paraguay members provide material supplies for Hogarde Ninas Santa Maria Children’s Home, Mitarenda Pai Calabria Hogar Steresa, and Hogar de Ancianos San Agustin for the elderly, providing free meals to over 200 homeless people.
3) BLIA Brazil and Sao Paolo Lotus Subchapter collaborated in year-end visits and giving of supplies to the needy. 650 sets of gifts and supplies were transported in eight vehicles and a large truck to five centers for the underprivileged, including homes for the handicapped, seniors village, and orphanages, benefitting more than 600 people aged from five to over 80 years old.
4) BLIA Chile participated in the “Mis Amigos” winter relief for the young, giving away 800 pairs of thick socks and gloves, earmuffs, hats, scarves, candy, and cookies.
5) BLIA St. Louis held a food drive, collecting 461 pounds of supplies such as canned food, dry noodles, and cooking oil for the St. Louis Area Foodbank to distribute to needy families in the region.
6) Buddha’s Light Scouts in New York initiated the “Stop Hunger” food drive at the Keyfood Supermarket on 73 Avenue, Oakland Gardens and Fairway Supermarket in Douglaston. Various canned food, breakfast cereals, pasta, beans, fruit juice, and bottled water were collected, sorted, boxed, and transported to the New York City Harvest trucks for distribution to needy families in the region.
7) BLIA YAD Toronto conducted the “Out of the Cold” project by holding winter supplies and toiletries drive on campuses to help the homeless in the Waterloo and Kitchener areas to survive the cold winter.
8) BLIA New Zealand South Island initiated the fifth annual winter relief for low-income families. Over 30 boxes of food and daily necessities were donated to Christchurch’s City Mission for the needy to have a warm holiday season.
9) BLIA Vancouver held the “Love for East Vancouver; Warmth on the Streets” project, offering the homeless loving-care. Supplies such as socks, gloves, scarves, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush as well as 200 packs of cookies, candy, and fruit juice were delivered to Vancouver St. John Ambulance headquarters for distribution to the homeless in Pigeon Park, East Vancouver.
10) More than 20 members of BLIA YAD San Francisco went to Los Second Harvest foodbank to help sort and package food supplies. The young members collaborated in packaging 1,120 boxes of food, winning the commendation of the foodbank staff.
Please see below video for better illustration