Pagoda charity builds solidarity

November 27, 2016 - 09:00

Beacon of humanity for the community: pagoda provides meals to the poor

Located in a remote area in the Mekong province of Hậu Giang, the Long Khánh Pagoda helps many poor and disadvantaged people, providing 1,500 free vegetarian meals a month.

On the 14th, 15th, 29th and 30th days of the lunar month, nuns and other Buddhists offer the meals to the poor, including students from Vị Bình and Vị Thanh Communes in Vị Thuỷ District.

The pagoda also provides medicinal herbs for treating diseases; helps raise orphans and children from poor families; and provides other services to the disadvantaged.

Huỳnh Văn Giàu, deputy chairman of Vị Bình Commune’s Fatherland Front, said the pagoda’s service has not only helped the poor but provided the community with a sense of solidarity and caring.

Châu Võ Yên Nhi, an 11th grader at the Lê Hồng Phong Junior High School in Vị Thuỷ District, said that without the pagoda’s support she would have dropped out of school when she was in the 10th grade, because of financial problems.

Thích Nữ Nghiêm Anh, a nun at the pagoda, said expenses for the vegetarian meals, about VNĐ8 million per month, are covered by donations from local Buddhists and residents. — VNS

 

 

E-paper