The center was built with the collaborative efforts of Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (DDMSWCF) and the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China. The main purpose of the center is to provide residents of the Rian Community with better community services.

The key event for the opening was the tea party, with DDMSWCF’s Secretary General, Venerable Guo Qi, Vice-President of the Red Cross Society of the ROC, Ms. Qing-Feng Wang and Magistrate of Jiayi County, Ms. Hwa-Guan Chang, as well as other local celebrities in attendance.

Following Vice President Wang’s very motivational speech, Venerable Guo Qi welcomed the opening of the Rian Activity Center which is going to improve community services for the entire Rian Community. Quoting the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen, he encouraged residents, particularly those who were victims of the Morakot Typhoon occurred on 8 August 2009, to continue to be strong and have faith when facing adversities in life.

The Rian Activity Center is a single storey building, approximately 80 square feet in size consisting of a reading room, an administration office and an activity room.

(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)