Community Outreach Project: Benoni Bunny Park

On an early brisk morning in Johannesburg, the Tzu Ching of Gauteng gathered at the Tzu Chi headquarters in high spirits to prepare for their outing to the Benoni Bunny Park. 

- by Mei-Hua Lee & Sandy Lu - 

Photo by: Joanne Lan

The Gauteng Tzu Ching, together with the Thembisa local volunteers, organized an outing for the orphaned children of Nyelethi’s Children’s Home to go to Benoni Bunny Park. The children, upon arrival, were so excited to see us that they surprised us with tight hugs as soon as they got off the car. We then sorted the children into groups and took them on a tour around the park. The children loved feeding the animals and playing with each other. The local volunteers also enjoyed themselves; you could see they reveled in the time spent with the children. 

Photo by: Po-Chuan You

A picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit and cake was prepared by the Shi Gu for all of us. After lunch and a short break, we separated into groups to play some games like London bridge and Eagle Catch Little Chickens. The children really enjoyed playing these games and were eager to interact with the Tzu Ching. 

After a day full of outside activities, the children were so worn out that it was time for them to leave. Everyone was reluctant to say their goodbyes but it was time for the children to go home. As a parting gift, we gave the children each a gift pack containing some snacks, a scarf and earmuffs to keep them warm during the winter season.

It was such a great experience, seeing the children playing outside and not at home playing computer games or on their phones with their heads down. We take for granted the nature and the animals that complement it. The most rewarding thing we received today were the tired smiles we received when they waved back at us as they departed.