By Formosa News Team (Originally in Chinese)
As the leaves on the maple trees turn red, many people in Formosa are getting ready to celebrate the Moon Festival, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional holiday of family reunion and togetherness. During this special season, our Formosa Association members sent love and care to disadvantaged people, hoping our small effort will encourage others to do the same and make the world a more harmonious and warmer place.
Keelung Center
On September 7, our Keelung Center Association members teamed up with the Zenan Homeless Social Welfare Foundation to organize a Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration for homeless people and unemployed individuals at Keelung Municipal Anle Elementary School. During the event, vegan mooncakes, red envelopes containing cash, and daily necessities were shared with the attending guests.
Taipei Center
On September 9, our Taipei Association members joined the Social Welfare Department of New Taipei City Government, the New Taipei City Volunteer Center, the New Taipei City Homeless Outreach Volunteers Center, the Tsai Eng-Meng Charitable Foundation as well as the Doctors of Taipei Hospital of Ministry of Health and Welfare to host a Golden Year 13 (2016) Moon Festival Celebration in Yong An Park, Banqiao District, inviting 200 homeless people to attend the event.
Each participant had the chance to take a warm shower in the “Love Ocean” mobile shower vehicle contributed by Supreme Master Ching Hai, change into clothing items donated by our Association members, and receive a box of vegan mooncakes and a red envelope containing some cash, symbolizing good luck.
In her speech, the Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department, Ms. Chang Chin-Li, thanked our Association, other charity organizations and volunteers for their dedication in helping better the lives of those who are homeless. She also presented our Association with a Certificate of Appreciation from the New Taipei City Volunteer Center.
We pray that all those in need be blessed with many bright tomorrows filled with love and prosperity.