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Collaboration with Polish Women Can and AMEDS Medical to provide psychological care, Polish language classes and legal services for adults and children escaping the war in Ukraine.

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Kali Angke, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

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Kali Angke, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

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Kali Angke, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

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One of Tzu Chi projects in Indonesia was revitalization of Angke River area in 2002. Tzu Chi initiated to clean up the river and in 2009, Tzu Chi built Da Ai village and built schools and residential area. Besides initiative in Jakarta, Tzu Chi also helped various disaster relief efforts in Indonesia, most notably 2004 Tsunami. Amid majority Muslim population, Tzu Chi broke the stigmatization of religion through its project.

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In Australia, Tzu Chi has been established since 1996 and had almost 10,000 members. One of Tzu Chi Australia’s disaster reliefs was in 2011 from Tropical Cyclone Tasha in Queensland. Tzu Chi also does medical activity and environmental protection in various parts of Australia.

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Tzu Chi’s work in Argentina are focused on improving residents’ life standard in Buenos Aries and beyond, especially the elderly and marginalized community that has been impacted by economic recession since 1992, man-made disaster (such as 1995 explosion in a factor), climate-related disaster (flood, typhoon, forest fire, etc), and COVID-19 pandemic.

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As one of the worst impacted countries from Ebola, Tzu Chi was the only NGO that helped the orphans in Sierra Leone that lost their parents because of the outbreak in 2016. Tzu Chi distributed rice and supported local orphans. From Ebola, Tzu Chi built long-term relationship from Freetown to the remote places in Sierra Leone for disaster preparedness.

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Volunteers of Tzu Chi in Germany have several works. A volunteer in Munich provided the land for Syrian refugees that was displaced from 2011 conflict, to work as farmers. Besides that, volunteers also visited nursing homes and empowered children with intellectual development disorder to operate a restaurant in Hamburg.

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The Tzu Chi (TC) Foundation endeavors to spread awareness of Buddha's teachings globally through charitable endeavors in Lumbini. In 1993, during a major flood, TC constructed 1,800 permanent houses in three villages, collectively known as Great Love Village, for the affected families. These homes have since facilitated a self-sustaining and moderately affluent lifestyle for the 1,800 families residing there. Additionally, TC extended educational grants to the children of these families, fostering opportunities for their future. When devastating earthquakes struck Nepal in 2015, TC promptly responded by providing significant disaster relief efforts in Kathmandu and other affected areas. Since then, TC has remained steadfast in its commitment to Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha, continuing its humanitarian efforts without interruption.

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Kathmandu: Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation was founded by Cheng Yen in 1966. Cheng Yen lived a frugal lifestyle on self-sustaining, yet she endeavored to alleviate sufferings and bestow happiness to the impoverished people. Now Tzu Chi has spread across 128 countries. The Foundation provides aid to support more than two hundred over schools and construct 40 units of new hospitals. When disasterstrikes across the world, the Foundation rises to support the affected countries. Nepal Live Today caught up with Lin Pi-Yu, vice president of Tzu Chi Foundation, to discuss the work and plans of the Foundation.
To start with, what initiatives have your organization taken to provide support to Nepal during the disasters?
In Nepal, we constructed 1,800 units of permanent houses during the 1993 major flood for the flood victims in three villages which we called Great Love Village. Now these 1,800 families are living a self-sustaining moderately affluent lifestyle. We also provided the children of these families with education grants. Now these children have achieved very good accomplishments. During the 2015 earthquakes, we arrived in Kathmandu immediately upon receiving the news. At that time, the airplane could not land in Nepal due to the air congestion and so we had to landin India. Once the air congestion was cleared we immediately flew overto Nepal. We carried out a lot of disaster relief work at the disaster sites. We were the first batch of disaster relief medical team to arrive at the disaster site. We immediately set up a treatment area to treat and conduct surgery to those injured victims. Because there was no light, we had to rely on using the solar light to treat the wound or to perform the surgical treatment. We even helped in the birth of the first baby after the earthquake disaster.

Actually, our support to Nepal goes way back since 1993 during the major flood to 2015 major earthquakes and up until now, Tzu Chi has never left Nepal, the homeland of the Buddha. The Buddha was born in Nepal and grew up here for 29 years before he left this sacred land in Nepal to go to India. Nepal is the homeland of the Buddha. It is also the homeland for us, the Buddhist disciples. Wherever we work, we do not forget to introduce Nepal as the homeland of the Buddha. Now we are doing these charity works in Lumbini, in the hope that Buddha's accomplishments will be known to the people worldwide.

Recently we performed a live musical sign language performance drama of the "Life of Buddha" that attracted more than 20,000 spectators. From October 20-22, we will be performing at the Taipei Arena. If we are able to broadcast just a short section of the live performance, we will try to set up Zoom so that you can join and see the actual scene and how we have the drama on the "life of Buddha" from his birth to how he grew up in Kapilavastu to when he left Kapilavastu to renounce his secular life for spiritual cultivation on stage.
What other activities does the Foundation engage in apart from charity?
Tzu Chi does not get involved in political activities. We only offer assistance and spread love. In 1991, Tzu Chi went to Mainland China for disaster relief work. Tzu Chi has a huge mass of volunteers and they were all the local volunteers in Mainland China. We have hospitals in Beijing and Hebei. During the flood disaster in Harbin, Tzu Chi distributed 200,000 of relief provisions to the disaster victims. We had built schools and the Great Love Village there, but we never participated in politics. In Lumbini, we will reach out to provide aid to the impoverished areas.
How did your Foundation help Nepal during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Nepal did not approach Tzu Chi for help but we spontaneously approached the government of Nepal and said that we are willing to offer help to the country. At that time, we chartered nine units of airplanes loaded with Covid-19 medical devices including N95 and surgical masks. We delivered these medical aid provisions to medical institutions in Kapilavastu. We provided medical aid to the rural villages up in the mountains. Because there were no roads, we used donkeys and horses to carry the medical supplies up to the mountaintop. We hope to provide our assistance, driven by pure love, kindness and compassion, to other places as long as there is the need. We are most willing to work together with the country and co-operate with the country's needs to do what the country requires. While doing so, we comply with Tzu Chi's principles.
What are some of the notable activities that Tzu Chi has conducted in Nepal?
In 1993, Tzu Chi spontaneously approached Nepal to find out how we could help you in disaster relief. The process was quite tough because at that time the people were not familiar with Tzu Chi. But we were able to construct 1,800 units of the permanent houses.

In 2015, we went back to that place again. When the people saw our blue and white uniform, they recognized the uniform and said 'we know your people.' The local people asked Tzu Chi volunteers where they came from. They said they came from Taiwan. The local residents there said 'we are living in Taiwan village.' We realized that they called the Great Love Villages 'Taiwan villages.' We connected with them through love and kindness, caring concern and enthusiasm. We tried all means to render our help and support to them.
How do you get connected with Nepal?
Tzu Chi was founded on the grounds of Buddhism. Tzu Chi attaches special importance to Nepal because it is the birthplace and homeland of the Buddha. Like I said earlier, the Buddha was born here and grew up here. He bestowed love and concern everywhere. He gave up his own luxurious lifestyle and let go of the worldly fame and status to be the King. He left his fabulous palace to seek the path of liberation and enlightenment.

When I came to Nepal, I found the residents very friendly and amicable. They have mutual respect for each other. They are full of kindness and love and they are forbearing and accommodating. In Lumbini village, for example, there are those who live a very good life. There used to be caste-based discrimination in the past but there is no such discrimination at the moment. People live there together in harmony. This makes me feel that people in Nepal are very amicable, respectful and friendly. Despite these good things, Nepal still has impoverished places. This is because of lack of education and poverty. So children cannot still pursue their education. We must let these impoverished children pursue their education so that in future they would be able to live a good life. "Education Promoting Zero Dropout Plan" is very important for Nepal. We must thoroughly implement this Plan and convince the parents to allow the children to go to schools.

Our Tzu Chi volunteers are worried that this plan might not be fully realized simply by taking children to schools to study. The Buddha has said that regardless of any caste, everyone has the innate Buddha nature. We need to create a situation whereby the innate Buddha nature gets manifested. The only way to enable all people to be on an equal level is through education.
You talked about "Education in Promoting Zero Droplet Plan." How do you implement it in Nepal? How would it contribute to the development of the country?
As I have already mentioned, the most important thing for transformation is education. Second, although Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha, Buddhist devotees are few here. Thus not many people are aware of Buddha's philosophy and teachings. We really want everyone to understand Buddhism and its philosophy. The Buddha has left behind the most important precious treasury and his wisdom. If everyone could hold this precious treasury in their hands and polish it and make it shine, everyone could understand Buddhism in accordance with Buddha's heart of compassion to have mutual love for each other. Then the people would be able to transform themselves.

I have come to Kapalivastu many times. Each time, I saw that roads were dirty and the traffic was in a mess. This time it was different. I saw the traffic order is very good, the roads are clean and the environment is much better. I saw that citizens are willing to cooperate with mayors to accomplish development.

We plan to build schools in Kapilavastu. Basically, the women in the rural villages have never stepped out from their houses. We introduced education and skills programs such as sewing skills for them. Now they sew clothes which we buy thus helping them in income generation. With the source of income, they are able to support their household needs. They have benefited from the program. They are not confined to household chores like in the past.

We plan to construct houses there. The male members of the community will participate in construction and they will also acquire skills and technology to construct houses. Then we will employ them to build houses in other places. This way, they will earn for themselves too. When both men and women are engaged in income generation they can better support the health and education needs of their children. Apart from this, we will also establish medical care services. We can have public health care services in the community.
You participated in the Health Awards ceremony organized by Nepal Live Group. What did you feel about it?
As I was in that august gathering of award distribution on September 8, I was thinking your health magazine, Swasthya Khabar Patrika, is very popular in Nepal. Health magazines are popular in Taiwan as well. We are grateful to you for recognizing our efforts in Nepal's health sector by honoring us with a letter of appreciation. I am happy to see that our supplies of medical devices, wherever we have distributed them, are being used by the hospitals. I am grateful to those hospitals who accepted our provisions of the medical devices. I strongly believe and hope that Tzu Chi will become one of the sustainable partners of Nepal.

That said, I would also like to emphasize that as much as physical health, mutual care and concern among the people and encouraging people to fulfill their social responsibility is equally important. Let me give you an example of a handful of rice. Suppose you are cooking a meal. You put five cups of rice inside the cooking pot, but you take out a handful of rice from the pot and put it in a container. When you do this for a month, for example, you will have collected enough to feed an impoverished family for one week. So this small act of kindness can do a lot to change the situation. This is what we have been doing in all places worldwide through our organization.

The second way in which you promote mutual well being is by working in cooperation with other overseas NGOs. Putting one dollar for charity, according to the International Economist, will have the effect of 13 dollars. If all the charity organizations from all places worldwide are able to come here to help out the people in need, they will be able to achieve a lot for Nepal.
Any final words to our readers?
Tzu Chi Master Cheng Yen believed in the idea of selfless contribution. She used to say that everyone has one lamp, when my lamp lights up your lamps, everyone's lamp will be brightened up, yet the brightness of my lamp still remains. Every one person is like the firefly, with only one firefly, it will not glow, but with multi millions of fireflies, it will brighten up the world.

She really hoped to light up the brightness of love. In the same way, everyone has the power of love. If everyone can come together to participate, every day without affecting your daily livelihood, deposit 50 cents or one handful of rice or half handful of rice, to participate in this act of kindness, accruing sand to form a tower, accumulate together, then you can reach out to help other villages.

We envision a world where everyone has rice to eat, where there is no poverty. You can act as the little ant. It is not easy to eliminate poverty. But everyone puts in efforts, every one becomes the little ant and a firefly, everyone saves up one mouthful of rice, then we can make a difference in the lives of others. This is the greatest aspiration of Master Cheng Yen.

We are also collaborating with a medical institution on a fatal acute leukocyte disease patient. The medical team from Taiwan and the medical team from Nepal team up together in this initiative. We hope that through such networking, we have the opportunity to come together to uplift the standard of medical care in Nepal. I also hope that for a sustainable planet, everyone will come together to promote plant-based vegetarianism. When people eat less meat, it will also contribute to reducing climate change impacts. Your media can also promote this cause. We want to spread the teachings of the Buddha across the world. Let all the people around the world know Nepal better. Let all the people around the world know the birthplace of the Buddha.

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"Tzu Chi Foundation is doing charity works in Lumbini in the hope that Buddha's accomplishments will be known to the people worldwide": Lin Pi-Yu, vice chair of Tzu Chi Foundation

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Kathmandu: Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation was founded by Cheng Yen in 1966. Cheng Yen lived a frugal lifestyle on self-sustaining, yet she endeavored to alleviate sufferings and bestow happiness to the impoverished people. Now Tzu Chi has spread across 128 countries. The Foundation provides aid to support more than two hundred over schools and [...]

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Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross during pandemic in 2020. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

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On Friday, Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

We thank Tzu Chi Foundation for this donation. #COVID19

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On Friday, Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

We thank Tzu Chi Foundation for this donation. #COVID19 https://t.co/RhM68BUEXO

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On Friday, Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

We thank Tzu Chi Foundation for this donation. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/RhM68BUEXO
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 26, 2020

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On Friday, Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

We thank Tzu Chi Foundation for this donation. #COVID19 https://t.co/RhM68BUEXO

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On Friday, Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

We thank Tzu Chi Foundation for this donation. #COVID19 https://t.co/RhM68BUEXO

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On Friday, Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

We thank Tzu Chi Foundation for this donation. #COVID19

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Tzu Chi Foundation generous donation to the Perugia Hospital in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation consists of 100,000 surgical masks, aimed at supporting the hospital's efforts in combating the spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients. The gesture is part of the foundation's broader commitment to providing assistance and relief during global crises, showcasing solidarity and support for communities in need.

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Coronavirus, nuova maxi donazione al Santa Maria della Misericordia di Perugia. La Fondazione Tzu Chi, che ha sede a Taiwan, cha donato alle strutture complesse di Radioterapia Oncologica e Pronto Soccorso dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia 3.000 mascherine chirurgiche.

La Fondazione ha individuato le due strutture cui sono state donati i presidi di protezione anche sulla base del numero di sanitari che vi operano e di quello dei pazienti cui viene prestata assistenza. A finanziare l'operazione sono stati alcuni cittadini di Taiwan. I direttori delle strutture ospedaliere, la professoressa Cynthia Aristei e il dottor Paolo Groff, attraverso una rappresentante residente in Italia, hanno ringraziato la Fondazione a nome di tutto il personale ospedaliero.

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Coronavirus, maxi donazione all'ospedale di Perugia: mascherine per Pronto Soccorso e Radioterapia Oncologica

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La Fondazione di beneficenza Tzu Chi di Taiwan ha donato alle strutture complesse di Radioterapia Oncologica e Pronto Soccorso dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia 3.000 mascherine chirurgiche

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Following a devastating earthquake in El Salvador, Tzu Chi played a pivotal role in the reconstruction efforts by constructing two Great Love Villages, providing homes for a total of 1,175 households affected by the disaster.

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A Massive Earthquake Strikes El Salvador - Tzu Chi Dharma

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This website outlines the core principles of Jing Si Dharma Lineage and the Tzu Chi School of Buddhism introduced via Master Cheng Yen’s teachings over time and how they paralleled key activities and events in the history of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s development.

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Tzu Chi volunteers have engaged with survivors, facilitating the distribution of funds. These resources can cover essential needs like food, clothing, gas, prescription medications, diapers, lodging, and more. Beyond financial assistance, Tzu Chi offers vital spiritual and emotional support to survivors, reassuring them of companionship through their challenges.

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The foundation is an international humanitarian organization with a mission to relieve the suffering of those in need and create a better world through compassion, love, and hope.

Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com

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Tzu Chi USA donates 1.5 million to Maui families affected by fires

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Volunteers distributed the funds to more than a thousand families on Maui.

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On Friday, October 1st, 2021, first aid kits hand-packed by Tzu Chi USA volunteers in California finally made their way into the hands of earthquake survivors living in Beaumont, Haiti. The kits include bandages, gauze, scissors, alcohol prep pads, disposable gloves, face masks, and more.

Along with bags of rice and other foods, we are grateful for all of the new volunteers who helped us distribute these critical relief goods to those struggling ever since August’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

One recipient, Guy Mary Emanuel, gave us his salute and said “this food will help for a while.”

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Before sunrise, on February 15, 2023, six members of Tzu Chi’s Earthquake Relief Team set off to Turkey’s Hatay Province. Hatay was the hardest-hit area in the country’s south, left in ruins by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6.

While the team prepared for disaster relief in Hatay, 2,620 blankets ordered by the Earthquake Relief Team also arrived at El Menahil International School in Istanbul. Distribution will begin on Friday and Saturday.

As relief and rescue operations across the region continued, Tzu Chi Turkey & the Tzu Chi Earthquake Relief Team made advances toward helping earthquake survivors. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, was one step closer to helping survivors rebuild their lives.

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Tzu Chi Lampung rutin menggelar donor darah. Setiap tahunnya, Tzu Chi Lampung menggelar sekitar 3-4 kali. Pada Sabtu, 20 April 2024, Tzu Chi Lampung kembali bekerja sama dengan Palang Merah Indonesia dari Kota Madya Bandar Lampung untuk mengadakan donor darah. Dari relawan, ada 26 orang yang berpartisipasi mendukung lancarnya donor darah. Sementara dari tim PMI ada delapan orang.

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Donor darah pada Sabtu 20 April 2024 ini digelar di Kantor Tzu Chi Lampung. Dari 95 orang mendaftarkan diri, terdapat 80 orang yang berhasil mendonorkan darahnya.

Berdana tak hanya dapat dilakukan oleh orang berada, juga tak melulu berbentuk materi. Melakukan donor darah merupakan bentuk berdana yang sangat bermafaat bagi umat manusia. Sudah menjadi rahasia umum bahwa donor darah tidak hanya bermafaat bagi penerima, namun juga bagi tubuh donor.

Tzu Chi Lampung rutin menggelar donor darah. Setiap tahunnya, Tzu Chi Lampung menggelar sekitar 3-4 kali. Pada Sabtu, 20 April 2024, Tzu Chi Lampung kembali bekerja sama dengan Palang Merah Indonesia dari Kota Madya Bandar Lampung untuk mengadakan donor darah. Dari relawan, ada 26 orang yang berpartisipasi mendukung lancarnya donor darah. Sementara dari tim PMI ada delapan orang.

Donor darah dimulai pukul 09.00-12.00 WIB. Sebelum donor, peserta harus melalui 3 tahap yakni mengisi formulir dan mendaftarkan diri, tensi darah dan kemudian cek golongan darah dan Hemoglobin untuk bisa diketahui dapat mendonor atau tidak.

Calon donor saat cek golongan darah bagi pemula khususnya, kemudian pemeriksaan kadar Hemoglobin darah.

Widi Astuti dan Mega Julianti, asal Kota Sepang menuturkan motivasi mereka untuk donor darah. "Kami berdua sudah sejak menjadi mahasiswa sampai saat ini sudah sering melakukan donor darah, dan kami merasa kalau sudah waktunya, dan belum donor itu badan terasa pegal-pegal. Setelah donor, badan sudah tidak merasakan pegal-pegal lagi dan badan merasa ringan dan segar," cerita Widi. "Selain manfaat untuk diri sendiri, berdonor tentu sangat bermanfaat bagi mereka yang membutuhkan. Artinya, badan kita sehat dan juga bisa menolong orang lain dengan sekantong darah kami," sambung Mega.

Ibu Nurtaijah, asal Kacapiring Kepang, mengungkapkan rasa syukurnya karena masih bisa berdonor. "Ini pertama kali saya donor, dan di umur saya yang sudah 41 ternyata masih bisa donor.Perasaan takut dan deg-degan sih tadi pas ditensi darah saya sempat tinggi dan tensi kembali bisa stabil dan akhirnya bisa donor juga, saya ke sini datang bersama suami saya dan suami sudah dua belas kali donor darah. Ternyata seperti ini orang yang melakukan donor darah," imbuhnya dengan bahagia.

Widi Astuti, asal Kota Sepang turut mendonorkan darah.

Beberapa relawan Tzu Chi juga turut mendonorkan darahnya. Salah satunya Azelia yang antusias mengikuti kegiatan Tzu Chi. "Ini pertama kali saya donor, awalnya saya takut donor, karena ada dukungan dan semangat dari relawan yang lain saya memberanikan diri untuk ikut donor. Senang akhirnya saya berani dan bisa membantu orang lain yang membutuhkan dengan setetes darah saya. Saat saya donor saya ditemani Duta Donor Darah Daerah Lampung bapak Hardyanto Luke dan saya mendapatkan baju dari beliau," ujarnya.

Dari 95 orang yang mendaftar, terdapat 80 orang yang berhasil mendonorkan darahnya. Semoga dengan setetes darah yang diberikan, senantiasa bermanfaat bagi mereka yang membutuhkan, dan cinta kasih senantiasa selalu berkembang dalam hati semua makhluk. Seperti Kata Perenungan Master Cheng Yen, "Tubuh ini bukanlah hak milik kita, tetapi cuma hak pakai, cinta kasih tidak akan habis bila dibagikan kepada orang lain."

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Berdana Lewat Setetes Darah - Yayasan Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia

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Berdana Lewat Setetes Darah - Yayasan Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia adalah organisasi global yang bertujuan memberikan pelayanan dan bakti sosial bagi masyarakat dengan berpegang dengan ajaran cinta kasih dari Master Cheng Yen

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On December 24, Tzu Chi initiated a 3-day clean-up activity, calling upon members of the public to go to hardest-hit Sri Muda in Shah Alam and Taman Sri Nanding in Hulu Langat, to help the victims clean up their homes.

Meanwhile, volunteers in Pahang have also been conducting disaster surveys and extending care to flood victims on the East Coast.

Following the compilation of the victim name list in early January 2022, Tzu Chi has planned for 77 sessions of cash relief distribution for an estimated 16,000 affected families from 58 flood-stricken areas in KL, Selangor and Pahang.

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Continuous rainfall since December 17 morning caused flash floods in several areas in Klang Valley.

From December 18, Tzu Chi volunteers have been mobilized to conduct disaster surveys at flood-stricken areas and relief centres, and deliver packed meals, dried food supplies, blankets, clothing, mats, bottled water and other necessities, as well as love and care to the flood victims. So far, Tzu Chi's aid has reached Klang, Shah Alam, Dengkil, Puchong, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Hulu Langat, among other places.

On December 24, Tzu Chi initiated a 3-day clean-up activity, calling upon members of the public to go to hardest-hit Sri Muda in Shah Alam and Taman Sri Nanding in Hulu Langat, to help the victims clean up their homes.

Meanwhile, volunteers in Pahang have also been conducting disaster surveys and extending care to flood victims on the East Coast.

Following the compilation of the victim name list in early January 2022, Tzu Chi has planned for 77 sessions of cash relief distribution for an estimated 16,000 affected families from 58 flood-stricken areas in KL, Selangor and Pahang.

Let us pray together for the flood victims to receive timely aid, and for everyone's peace and safety.

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Tzu Chi Flood Relief Operations in Malaysia

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Many parts of Malaysia were inundated in mid-December 2021. Tzu Chi volunteers immediately launched flood relief operations, including delivering hot meals and daily necessities, and helping with the clean-up post flood. As of December 26, Tzu Chi volunteers had worked more than 8,800 shifts to extend care and aid to over 38,000 recipients.

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Reconnecting with Our Friends in Sierra Leone

First, a brutal 10-year civil war, and then Ebola: Sierra Leone has borne the brunt of daunting tragedy in the last quarter-century. Tzu Chi has been providing aid here since 2015, distributing food, beds, blankets and shoes across this beleaguered West African nation, now finally on a path to recovery.

Their itinerary began in Freetown, with a visit to the Allen Town Interim Care Center and School, where Tzu Chi donated shoes to the children.

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107 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States

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107 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States

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107 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States

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Bringing the vision of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, and the dedication of its volunteers, Tzu Chi USA’s footprints entered the Greater Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania in 2006. The aid mission began with street fundraising to support disaster relief efforts for the earthquake and tsunami in South-East Asia.

The establishment of a small contact office in 2008 led to an increase in community service activities, focusing on individual relief cases and disaster relief distributions. In 2012, the Service Center was formally established on Ninth Street in Chinatown, Philadelphia, and provides a variety of services to nearby communities.

Since 2007, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has been assisting eligible taxpayers across the United States file their annual income tax through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

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Ever since 2016, Tzu Chi has been collaborating with City Mission to provide hot cooked vegetarian food to the homeless community. In addition, Tzu Chi has also been involved with environmental sustainability through the Montutapu Island tree planting initiative, which strives to restore the forest and provide a sanctuary for endangered species.

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Tzu Chi's recent efforts in Japan have largely been focused on restoring a sense of community after the earthquakes that had occurred early this year. Tzu Chi not only resumed the distribution of hot meals through a cash-for-work relief program, but also opened a Tea House.

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Tzu Chi has been focusing on providing relief and restoring communities in South Africa in response to the recent tropical cyclones. Tzu Cho volunteers helped to distribute corn flour to those impacted by the disaster and aided in helping rebuild people's homes as well.

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One of Tzu Chi's efforts that I would like to highlight in Chile is their mission to provide care to the elderly community. Specifically, Tzu Chi returned to the Hogar De Ancianos El Atardecer nursing home and resumed their care, bringing relief supplies, heating subsidies, and heartfelt gifts.

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Especially with the ongoing and urgent crisis occurring in Ukraine, Tzu Chi has been dedicating extra time and resources towards providing relief. Tzu Chi has also collaborated with numerous organizations, such as UNICEF, Polish Women Can Foundation, and IsraAID. Tzu Chi has been able to distribute shopping cards, blankets, and multigrain biscuits, etc.

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15 Summer St, Newton, MA 02464, United States

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15 Summer St, Newton, MA 02464, United States

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15 Summer St, Newton, MA 02464, United States

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Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Boston Service Center

Tzu Chi Boston is part of the Tzu Chi Foundation whose mission is to provide care and services to the community members in Massachusetts while incorporating Tzu Chi’s teaching of kindness.

Programs:

​Tzu Chi USA Scholars is a scholarship program funded by Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation to recognize and provide financial assistance to outstanding college-bound high school graduates and continuing undergraduate students in selected areas of the United States.

Study Group

Every other week, the Tzu Chings and Alumni hold a study group to discuss various topics relating to life as well as dharma. ​

Movie night

During movie nights we enjoy movies in the company of awesome young volunteers and some delicious food and indulge in some fruitful conversations about the movies and how it impacts our lives.

Community Servings

Once a month, Tzu Chings and Alumni volunteer at Community Servings, a not-for-profit food and nutrition program that provides services throughout MA to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses.​

Haley House

Once a month, Tzu Ching and Alumni volunteer at the Haley House, which is a cafe that provides opportunities for volunteers to bake with the transitional employment staff and have therapeutic discussions.

Nursing Home Visit

Nursing home visit is a regularly Boston Tzu Chi charity event, happening once every two months. Volunteers and Tzu Chiers will accompany the elderly to enjoy a wonderful Saturday afternoon. There are various kinds of performance and interacting games during the event, such as Tzu Chi New Year Blessing Ceremony, Buddha Bathing Ceremony, sign language performance, breathing and stretching exercises and do on. The most touching moment of the day is to see the happy faces on the elderly.

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Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation headquarters

Tzu Chi represents one of Taiwan's four major Buddhist sects, and it's Still Thought Hall, located on Zhongyang Road in Hualien, includes a medical center, a temple, and a university.

The Tzu Chi Medical Humanities began with the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and extend to the Yuli, Kuanshan, Dalin, Taipei, Taichung, Douliou Tzu Chi Hospitals and Suzhou Clinic, China. These Tzu Chi medical institutions all uphold the same mission, to “guard life, health, and love”.

Recycling:

Tzu Chi volunteers will first clean and sort the recyclables by material. If the recyclables cannot be used again, the volunteers will sell them to professional recyclers. For recyclables that can still be used, they will make the best of them.

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Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, Osler Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, Osler Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, Osler Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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Since 1994, Tzu Chi has collaborated with public schools, school boards, collages, and universities across Canada, contributed over $3 million CAD to help provide various programs, such as scholarships, bursaries for extra-curricular activities, after-school programs, breakfast programs, school supplies distributions, and library books donations, that have benefitted more than 20,000 students.

n the spirit of the ancient Chinese motto, "Love Our Elderly as well as Other's", Tzu Chi Canada volunteers respect and care about the elderly in the communities.  Started in 1992 with the nursing homes in Vancouver, Little Mountain Place and Villa Cathay Care Home, Tzu Chi volunteers made regular visits and served according to the needs of seniors. Smiles are friendship bridges that open the hearts of the elderly!  Tzu Chi volunteers are now serving, nonstop, a total of 36 nursing homes, cheering up the elderly like their own.

For the past 22 years, Tzu Chi has contributed over $2 million CAD to 55 distinct charitable projects to support low-income families, single mothers, living-alone seniors, battered women, the homeless, and patients in the addiction rehab centers in local communities. In order to supplement basic daily necessities to the less fortunate ones, Tzu Chi volunteers dedicated themselves in community services such as helping Food Bank distributions, visiting low-income families to deliver Christmas hampers, cooking and serving meals for homeless friends, and donating clothing and daily necessities to the needy through winter relief distribution. In addition, volunteers also assisted mentally challenged and the handicapped children in therapeutic horse-riding, and spend time with the cerebral palsy and the mentally challenged patients in Joy Care Center in Coquitlam, B.C.

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Tzu Chi in Tijuana

Tzu Chi in Tijuana is a beacon of hope and compassion in the region. Our organization, dedicated to humanitarian service, tirelessly works to improve the quality of life for the people in Tijuana and its surroundings.

Some programs:

DISASTER RELIEF IN MEXICO

MEDICAL

DIABETES PREVENTION AND TREATMENT COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH

DENTAL/ DIABETES

LMTC DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY

EYE SURGERY CENTER

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Repeated occurrences of natural disasters and the prevalence of pests have taken a toll on the income of local farmers in Myanmar. But the devastating floods of 2018 – the most severe in Myanmar’s history – compounded the dire circumstances of impoverished local farmers. In November 2018, Tzu Chi volunteers were dispatched to the disaster zone to distribute mung bean seeds to the farmers. Tzu Chi continued to extend aid to the farmers by organizing a 10-day rice seed distribution mission from February 16 to 25, 2019, in an effort to help local farmers regain their livelihood.

At noon on October 11th, 2022, the Tzu Chi South El Monte Health Center welcomed a group of special guests. Myanmar Monks from all corners of America and the world visited the Center for free and holistic medical care provided by Tzu Chi’s dedicated staff and volunteers. Dr. Lin said: “Due to lack of proper health care and maintenance, most monks have eye issues. They experienced nasolacrimal duct obstruction, conditions with blurry visions, inflammation of the conjunctiva or lacrimal sac, or even the phenomenon of inverted eyelashes, which significantly affect their daily lives. Tzu Chi South El Monte Health Center provided free eye drops and other eye medicine for them, and free optometry as well as glass-making services. By offering preventive treatment ahead of time, we can prevent these small issues from accumulating into big problems.”

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Madrasah Hashimiah, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a school for refugee children that Tzu Chi helps fund. Most students at the school are Rohingya from Myanmar. For more than ten years, Tzu Chi volunteers in Malaysia have been helping Rohingya refugees that have escaped persecution in Myanmar and settled in Malaysia.

Refugees in Malaysia face many difficulties. Their children cannot attend regular schools, and, without permits to work legally, they are often exploited. They have no choice but to do “3D jobs”: difficult, dangerous, and dirty, the three dimensions of refugees’ work. One might also add a fourth dimension: diminutive — in salary. As a result, refugees are generally malnourished, and when they fall ill, they often suffer through it without seeking medical care because they can’t afford it. They also avoid seeing a doctor because they are afraid of getting caught by the police.

Early one morning, people formed a line in front of a building on Pudu Road, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They were waiting for the Buddhist Tzu Chi Free Clinic to open for the day. Though there were refugees from the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and Africa, most were from Myanmar. The clinic is open six days a week, closed only on Saturdays. On average, 150 patients a day are treated there.

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Tzu Chi Edinburgh led winter distribution by giving winter care packages filled with warm blankets and thermal clothing to the homeless. This is especially meaningful during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are also the soup kitchens that provide food for the homeless and vulnerable.

Tzu Chi volunteers also provide disaster relief in many regions in the UK which were affected by the flood.

In 2010, a volcanic eruption in Iceland caused many passengers to be grounded in Heathrow Airport. Tzu Chi volunteers provided food and water to the passengers.

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Haiti (North America)

Mission Focus: Medical aid, education, and disaster relief.

Recent Efforts: Post-earthquake reconstruction and support, including building schools and providing healthcare services.

More than 11 years after one of the worst earthquake’s in Haiti’s history, a 7.2 magnitude quake struck again in the country’s southwest on August 14, 2021. The number of confirmed dead and missing are continuing to rise. As recovery efforts are underway, the ongoing threat of COVID-19, socio-political unrest, and catastrophic weather events including hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash floods looms overhead. Despite all this, Tzu Chi is committed to help

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Indonesia (Asia)

Mission Focus: Disaster relief, medical aid, and educational support.

Recent Efforts: Response to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis with emergency supplies, medical camps, and rebuilding of homes.

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Kenya (Africa)

Mission Focus: Healthcare, education, and sustainable agricultural development.

Recent Efforts: On 2020, Tzu Chi Foundation - Taiwan donated 50,000 face masks to the Kenya Red Cross. These masks will be used by frontline health workers.

We thank Tzu Chi Foundation for this donation.

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Australia (Oceania)

Mission Focus: Environmental sustainability and community support.

Recent Efforts:On October 22, Tzu Chi volunteers in Melbourne started a second survey of disaster relief, and went door-to-door to invite those affected to the distribution on November 26.

The state of Victoria in Australia was affected by low pressure. It rained continuously for several days from October 13, which caused flooding in many areas. Roads were completely submerged and residential areas covered with flood. After the waters receded, mud and rubbish were left on the ground.

In groups, volunteers from the Tzu Chi Melbourne Service Center took the initiative to help. They went many times to Maribynong, the hardest-hit area, to survey the disaster. Going along the streets, they assisted in cleaning, visited and cared for the affected households and sent them invitations for the distribution.

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Ukraine (Europe)

Mission Focus: Emergency relief and refugee support.

Recent Efforts: Since February 2022, millions of people have fled Ukraine to seek refuge in neighboring countries, including Poland, Moldova, and Romania. Most have minimal items and resources to make a new life for themselves and their loved ones.

To help them get through this difficult period, Tzu Chi is hosting distributions to provide emergency financial support and emergency items. As of February 4, 2023, there have been:

364 shopping cards

24,995 (used at Biedronka supermarket)

shopping cards

13,999 (Sodexo Cards Distributed)

USD given in aid

$13,992,461

($63,739,000 PLN, or Polish złoty)

81,308 people who have benefitted

blankets 40,137

Multigrain Biscuits 12,000

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From 1987, Tzu Chi volunteers had been visiting nursing homes and orphanages in Sao Paulo. When the service centre was established in 1992, they started to care for the lonely and elderly and also went into the local slums. TIMA volunteers also provided free medical services for the underprivileged. Other than disaster relief, the new generation also had the opportunity to learn from Tzu Chi ideologies.

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In 2016, a flood hit France. Across central and northern France, thousands of residents were evacuated, many fleeing flood zones by boat or canoe. Although Tzu Chi volunteers in France had never conducted a disaster aid mission before, observing the national emergency unfolding around them, they rose to the occasion and began to mobilize a relief effort. Tzu Chi provided the largest non-governmental relief effort in France by providing gift cards for the victims. This supported the victims economically and mentally.

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Tzu Chi Activates its Taiwan Earthquake Disaster Relief Response – Tzu Chi USA

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Tzu Chi volunteers in Taiwan have provided hot meals and blankets for warmth to the disaster victims. They offered foldable beds and consolation money to rescue workers and those affected, and continued to care for those who have lost their homes. Their acts of kindness have inspired the community, even the victims themselves, to lend their helping hands to the others.

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Tzu Chi Activates its Taiwan Earthquake Disaster Relief Response – Tzu Chi USA

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At 7:58 AM on April 3, 2024, Taiwan time, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred 25 kilometers from Hualien on Taiwan’s east coast. Within minutes, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, with its global headquarters in the city, immediately activated its disaster relief response at 8:22 AM. Concurrently, the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital activated its emergency response protocol.

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A magnitude 9.1 earthquake, which struck off the west coast of Sumatra, triggered a series of tsunamis that devastated 12 countries around Indian Ocean.

In the aftermath, TIMA members swiftly rendered aid in Sri Lanka, distributing relief supplies and holding free clinics for the injured and sick.

built 296 house-style tents

distributed 1196.61 tons of rice and other supplies

treated 27,072 patients

Many locals joined the ranks of volunteers, bringing care and comfort to the affected.

In addition, Tzu Chi built permanent housing for those who lost their homes in the disaster and constructed a secondary school in Hambantota, a hard hit area.

built a 649-residential-unit Great Love Village for survivors

built a new school called Tzu Chi National School

It also established offices in Hambantota and Colombo, which recruit volunteers to carry out charity work locally.

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Tzu Chi volunteers helped in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami, which hit the country very hard. After emergency aid and a reconstruction project for survivors, volunteers continued to help local needy people.

Dr. Lim Boon Howe (林文豪, second from left) brings a patient to Dr. Lin Shinn-zong (right) for a consultation. Chen Li-yun

On December 26, 2004, a 9.1-9.3 magnitude undersea earthquake off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered massive tsunami waves. Many countries were devastated, with over 227,000 people dead or missing. Sri Lanka lost more than 35,000 people, second only to Indonesia's 167,000.

The first Tzu Chi medical team arrived in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, on the evening of December 30 to provide free medical services to survivors. They began to treat patients the next morning. Teams of Tzu Chi medical volunteers would arrive in turn, each to relieve the previous team. Dr. Lin Shinn-zong (林欣榮), superintendent of Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, eastern Taiwan, was one of the physicians to volunteer in Sri Lanka.

In addition to organizing the free medical services and other aid work, Tzu Chi built a 649-residential-unit Great Love Village for survivors and a new school called Tzu Chi National School in Hambantota. Many locals joined Tzu Chi as volunteers after the disaster. Now volunteers carry out Tzu Chi work in Hambantota and Colombo.

Students at Tzu Chi National School and members of a medical team from Taiwan pose for a photo at the school. Chen Li-yun

The village and the school

In July 2018, Taiwanese and Singaporean members of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association joined forces and conducted a large free clinic in Sri Lanka. This was the 11th large-scale clinic Tzu Chi had offered for local needy people there.

The Taiwanese medical team was led by Dr. Lin Shinn-zong. Before he and his team set out for Sri Lanka this time, Master Cheng Yen suggested that they visit the Great Love Village and Tzu Chi National School to check how the residents and students were doing. Dr. Lin couldn't have been happier upon hearing her suggestion. Having visited Sri Lanka after the great tsunami 14 years before, he really wanted to find out how the survivors were doing.

As the Master suggested, the team visited the village and the school during their trip to Sri Lanka. Despite being more than ten years old, both the village and school had been well maintained.

The school currently enrolls over 1,300 students from grades 6 to 13. Principal W.K. Lalitha had started on the job just five months earlier. Before coming on board, she had heard that the school was well equipped, almost like a college. She warmly received the visitors. "Our school is very different from other national schools, thanks to the mercy of Master Cheng Yen," the principal said. "We have soccer and basketball teams, and we offer classes in dance, music, and art. Just today, one of our students placed in an art competition."

Sri Lanka is divided into nine provinces, which are further divided into 25 districts. Of those 25 districts, Hambantota boasts the highest level of education among its residents. The district has seven national schools. Tzu Chi National School ranks second in terms of the percentage of students who win admission into colleges.

Drs. Fu Chin-hua (left) and Tang Long-wen (唐龍文) see patients in the internal medicine clinic. Wang Ling-feng

As the principal talked with Dr. Lin and others, other members on the medical team mingled with students. Xu Xiu-ting (許秀婷) of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, southern Taiwan, took out her cell phone and took selfies with the kids. The children then passed the phone around to show the photos to others, and more kids joined the throng. They laughed and cheered in high spirits.

Some students took Xu to see their classrooms. "We can't really talk to each other due to the language barrier," Xu said, "so we use gestures." The kids could feel that Xu, though coming from a far-away place, loved them, so they enthusiastically showed her their blackboards, desks, chairs, shoe racks, and other things in their classrooms.

The students at Tzu Chi National School were cheerful, energetic, and courteous, and they looked good in their uniforms. Dr. Lin was glad to see them so well-mannered and well-groomed. "Education brings hope. It impacts not just one generation, but generations to come too," Lin said. "This is why the Master made education one of the four missions of Tzu Chi."

After a cheerful tour around the school, the team from Taiwan visited the Great Love Village.

They first came to the home of Anoja. Though not very big, the house was spacious enough for Anoja, her husband, and their five children. The family had kept their place very tidy. Potted plants adorned their small courtyard. The couple's four daughters busily cut fruit and offered it to the visitors.

"Our two-story home was washed away in the tsunami," Anoja recalled. "We lost everything in the blink of an eye. Afterwards, Tzu Chi volunteers gave us rice, daily necessities, beds, and blankets." The memory of the disaster and its aftermath brought tears to her eyes.

Anoja asked one of her daughters to show the visitors a blue blanket that they had received from Tzu Chi years earlier. Though it had worn through, the family still kept it as a memento. They were very thankful for Tzu Chi's assistance, which had helped keep their family together. A devout Buddhist, Anoja had raised funds and built a shrine in the village where fellow villagers could worship.

Anoja's husband is an electrician. Every day he rides ten minutes to work on a bike. He pointed at his knee and said to the visitors, "It hurts. I'll go to the free clinic tomorrow to see a doctor." Hearing that, Cai San-lang (蔡三郎), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor, took some needles from his bag and gave him an acupuncture treatment right there. Cheng I-che (鄭宜哲), also a TCM doctor, from Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, central Taiwan, gave Anoja some medicated patches and showed her how to apply them to her husband's knee.

For this trip, Cheng had brought 2,000 acupuncture needles and Cai had brought 800. "We at the TCM department at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital often conduct home visits to needy patients," Cheng said. "It would be burdensome to carry Chinese medicine on such visits, so we often use acupuncture or electrotherapy to temporarily relieve pains for our patients."

The volunteers then visited Rinosah's home, which was very clean and tidy. Her husband works in Saudi Arabia, and he makes decent money there. Therefore, they had been able to remodel their home with a European-style outer wall and front door. The interior of the house and the floor tiles had also been redone. This Muslim family apparently had done well for themselves.

Dr. Lin was thrilled, as if he were seeing his own children doing well. "Master Cheng Yen's decision to help tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka really made a difference," he observed. "In the short span of a dozen years, many families here have become quite prosperous. This is a place full of hope."

A bustling event

A team from Singapore started this latest free clinic on July 13 at Baduraliya Divisional Hospital in Baduraliya, Kalutara, Western Province. The Taiwan team joined the Singapore team on July 14. Staff from the hospital also volunteered at the event.

At an altitude of 27 meters (89 feet) above sea level, Baduraliya is surrounded by tea and rubber plantations. Most residents work at the plantations and earn a small wage with which they manage to get by. But heavy rains in May 2017 led to floods and landslides in the area, making the lives of local underprivileged people even more difficult. Unable to afford medical treatment, many just toughed it out when they fell ill, which sometimes caused their illnesses to become worse.

This explained the massive throng of people who waited in long queues at the Tzu Chi free clinic. Nonetheless, the place was not unruly. People waited patiently and uttered no word of complaint. Instead they gave shy smiles to the volunteers they saw.

Many physicians were amazed to witness such a quiet and orderly gathering of more than a thousand people. They wondered if it was Buddhist teachings that made them behave in such an orderly manner, since the majority of the population in Sri Lanka are Buddhists.

Patients were able to receive minor surgeries, as well as services in internal medicine, TCM, dentistry, and ophthalmology. Every service was in great demand. Lines of patients extended from the indoor clinical areas to outdoor hallways, and still more people continued to arrive and sign in.

S Munipeme, 67, had a fibroma ten centimeters (four inches) across on his back, which prevented him from sleeping while lying flat. He had suffered with it for 20 years. He came to the free clinic to have this benign tumor removed, and then he came back for a nurse to change his dressing. Ong Qiu Feng (王秋鳳), a nurse from Singapore, sat S Munipeme in a chair near the stairwell so she could remove, bit by bit, the gauze that had stuck to his bony back.

Dr. Lin removed a grape-shaped wart from the face of a 61-year-old woman. "Warts are troublesome in that, even after being removed, they grow back," Lin explained. "So I took out this wart by the root. Now she won't feel self-conscious when her husband, her children, or her friends look at her."

Lin operated on patient after patient. Even when it was near noon, he still said "No problem" to the nurses who continued to bring in new patients.

Lin is a renowned physician in Taiwan, and he was repeatedly sought out to help solve difficult or complex medical problems during the three-day clinic. When a Singaporean volunteer brought an old woman to Lin, the doctor asked the woman to raise her right leg, then her left leg, followed by her right and left arms. Each limb seemed just fine, but when she stood up, she could not stop shaking, to the point of being unable to stand. Lin believed that the woman's brain might have degenerated and that she was deficient in dopamine. This would cause the uncontrollable trembling of her body when she was on her feet. Lin prescribed medications to lessen her shaking, but he knew that would be just a temporary solution.

It was at such times that the medical workers at the free clinic felt frustrated. The doctors knew that the problems they were unable to fix for patients during the three-day clinic would most likely continue to bother the patients down the line. They were upset by their own inability to do more for the patients before they had to return home.

Fu Chin-hua (傅進華), a neurologist at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, told a patient that his hernia could only be treated with an operation. The patient appeared helpless because he was unable to afford the surgery. Fu felt bad for the patient, and he was further frustrated by the knowledge that this patient was not the only one caught in such a bind.

Patients had come from all over the place, some walking eight miles to get there, some riding on vehicles for three hours. They had all come in the hope that the doctors would relieve their pains and discomfort. But the more patients Dr. Fu saw, the more discouraged he felt. A lack of large medical equipment on the scene had curtailed the doctors' ability to treat more serious disorders and conditions. As a result, they could only help temporarily relieve a patient's symptoms.

"All of a sudden, I feel awfully small," Fu said. "I can only do the best I can. We all live on the same Earth, but our lives are so different. I'm reminded to count my blessings. One person can do only so much. We need to get more people to join our efforts to reduce suffering in the world."

Huang Shi-ying

A united effort

Dentistry and ophthalmology clinics were also packed with patients. Manel, a 58-year-old woman, lived in Midalana village, two kilometers (1.2 miles) away. She had heard public announcements about the free clinic two days earlier. Despite being poor, she spent 150 rupees (US$1) to hire a motorized tricycle to take her to the clinic venue. She suffered from high cholesterol and diabetes, but she came to the clinic to have her gums checked. For five years her swollen gums had greatly bothered her, causing her pain and making it difficult for her to eat.

Dentist Xu Zhi-liang (許智亮) found pathological changes in Manel's gums and advised her to be further examined at a large hospital. He then offered to clean her teeth. Manel was at first reluctant to accept the offer for fear of pain, but some local volunteers convinced her it would be worth it. Two of the volunteers even held her hands to put her at ease while Xu worked on her.

Kasumawathi, 68, lived in the village of Molkawa, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away. She and her six-year-old granddaughter, Kivindi, arrived at the clinic very early in the morning. Kasumawathi's daughter had separated from her husband, and she supported the family by working on a tea farm for a small income. Kasumawathi had been severely far-sighted for 15 years. Even though she had been educated through middle school, she couldn't read because of this eye condition. She was ecstatic when she received a pair of reading glasses at the free clinic.

Kivindi, the granddaughter, was treated at the dental clinic. She was quite a darling. After receiving treatment, she knelt down, folded her palms, and bowed to thank every medical worker who had helped her and her grandmother. Her endearing behavior melted the hearts of the volunteers from Taiwan and Singapore.

There were so many patients to serve that the medical professionals at the event hardly had time to eat lunch. This was the first time pharmacist Zhang Tian-teng (張天騰) had participated in an international free clinic. "Never in my life have I filled so many prescriptions in a single day-I made over 1,800 packs of medicine," he said. "But even though I was kept so busy, this won't be the last time I take part in a free clinic."

Sri Lanka was once a British colony, so English is commonly used in the nation. Even so, Sinhala is more prevalent in the countryside, so local medical students volunteered at the free clinic as interpreters.

Alexander, a student in the department of nursing at the University of Colombo, said, "I've learned a lot by seeing how doctors at the free clinic asked questions and examined and diagnosed patients. This experience will help me a great deal when I become a practicing nurse in the future."

Sri Lanka has its own indigenous scheme of traditional medicine. Ten students from the University of Colombo Institute of Indigenous Medicine served all three days at the free clinic as interpreters. They were also great helpers for the traditional Chinese medicine doctors at the event. They assisted the doctors as the latter used treatment methods such as cupping therapy, moxibustion, and acupuncture on patients.

"At first, I took [acupuncture] needles straight out of the patients, which made them uncomfortable," said Nadeesha, one of the students. "But now I gently twist a needle as I extract it so the patient feels less pain." At the free clinic, Nadeesha got her first exposure to traditional Chinese medicine and witnessed how the doctors humbly and lovingly cared for their patients. "I've learned from them that in addition to treating illness, it is also important for a doctor to care for the emotional needs of a patient," she declared.

More than medical care

Though volunteers had anticipated a turnout of about 3,800 patients, they ended up serving 4,103 during the event. Everyone was happy that they had served such a large number of people. "Seeing you selflessly helping very poor people in Baduraliya, I've learned much from you," said Dr. Udaya Isaac Rathnayake, Kalutara District health services director, "and I've gained a deeper understanding of the spirit of Buddhism and Tzu Chi. I pledge to Master Cheng Yen that from now on I'll follow a vegetarian diet." His enthusiastic vow was followed by thunderous applause from people at the event.

A father-and-daughter pair and two mother-and-daughter pairs were among the people who volunteered at the free clinic. Dr. Loh Poey Ling (羅佩玲) of the Singapore Tzu Chi Free Clinic said that her medical work had kept her busy and therefore she had not been able to spend as much time with her daughter as she would have liked. This time she took her along to the free clinic. She said that this was a great opportunity for her daughter to see what had kept her mother so busy.

TCM doctor Cheng I-che admitted that he had once doubted the value of his services to the local people. "How much can we help people here when we visit from Taiwan just once a year?" he asked himself. But then he found an answer at the clinic.

Working with local medical students at the clinic, he realized that they would soon be among the most capable people in the nation. He believed that if they were given the opportunity or responsibility, they could become agents of change in Sri Lanka.

"We can instill a sense of responsibility in the students to inspire them to help their own countrymen after they graduate," Zheng said to his fellow delegates from Taiwan. "Why do we come here? It is to pass on our love."

He entreated student translators to learn more about Tzu Chi from online resources. He also posted his belief on social media that every person can be an agent of change. Everyone can plant seeds of love, and those seeds will sprout and grow. If local people in turn are inspired to pass on their love to people around them, the ripples of positive influences will spread, and Tzu Chi's love and care will reach and touch the lives of many more Sri Lankans.

People wait for their turn to be seen at the Tzu Chi free clinic in an area near the entrance of Baduraliya Divisional Hospital. Tzu Chi volunteers, in the foreground, keep thaem entertained. Huang Shi-ying

The More Treatments, the Merrier

By Huang Bin-yang

Translated by Tang Yau-yang

We hustled as hard as we could and treated 48 patients in seven hours. We knew that if any patients missed their chance to see a dentist that day, there was no telling when they would ever be able to see one next.

A scene at the dental clinic, which is by nature equipment-intensive in order to provide such services as teeth cleaning, root canals, X-rays, oral surgery, and tooth extractions. Huang Shi-ying

In July 2018, members of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association from Taiwan and Singapore joined forces and offered a free clinic in Sri Lanka. I was a member of the group from Taiwan.

Before the trip, I read about the December 2004 tsunami and the subsequent assistance Tzu Chi had provided to survivors in Sri Lanka. I found the stories of the devastation that people experienced very sad, but at the same time very distant to me. After all, I didn't personally know the people impacted by the disaster, and the terrible events happened so far away. However, when I was on the ground in Hambantota, visiting the Great Love Village that Tzu Chi built for survivors, those sad stories became much more real. This was especially true when I met Anoja and her family. I had read the story of their loss in the tsunami, but their experience didn't hit home until I met them directly.

As we talked face to face, they told me and the other medical volunteers from Taiwan how their family had lost everything in the tsunami. Though the story was the same as what I had read in Taiwan, hearing them tell it felt so different. I was deeply affected.

Happily, their life has returned to normal over the ten years that they have lived in the village. Anoja has even become a Tzu Chi volunteer. Once an aid recipient, she has become a help giver.

Residents waved enthusiastically to us when they saw us in the village. They recognized us by our volunteer uniforms and knew that we were from Tzu Chi. Their heartwarming response brought home to me the power of selfless love. I felt happy and grateful that I could come to this country to give my love and do something for needy people here.

Many Sri Lankans are rarely able to see a dentist, so when they do, the experience can be quite scary. Dr. Huang Bin-yang (黃斌洋, right) intently and patiently treats a patient. Li Ming-hui

Final day

It was still dark at 5:30 in the morning, but everyone in the medical delegation had already gotten up. After breakfast, we were ready to work the last day of the free clinic.

In addition to medical professionals, our support volunteers were essential for a clinic like ours to succeed. For example, line maintenance volunteers were necessary to keep electric and water lines in working order. These volunteers were always the first to arrive at the venue and the last to leave. They were truly unsung heroes.

There were also volunteers doing other important jobs behind the scenes, such as getting dental instruments ready. Like the line maintenance volunteers, they helped prepare for the larger crowd expected during the final day of the free clinic.

Among the support volunteers at the venue were many local volunteers. Like the volunteers from Taiwan and Singapore, they were all doing their best to help out. Some of them had even slept next to the dental equipment and instruments to safeguard these very expensive items through the night.

All medical workers and support volunteers geared up for the final day. Those of us at the dental clinic expected to serve more patients on this day. For one thing, we were now more familiar with the flow than when we had first begun. We were also acutely aware of how much the villagers desired our services. The more people we treated, the better they would feel...and the better we would feel.

I had the honor again today of working with Zi-ning (紫寧). She was in my mind the best dental assistant around.

We asked our first patient that day when he had arrived at the venue, and he told us he had arrived before five in the morning. So by the time we saw him, he had waited for four hours.

Since this would be our final day, I really wanted to see as many patients as possible. As soon as I finished one patient, I hurried to call the next one. As a result, the time between each patient began to get shorter and shorter.

After a while, Zi-ning couldn't help reminding me to allow more time between patients so that she could adequately sterilize the work station for the next patient.

She brought me back to reality. She was already working very fast just to keep up with things before I dialed up the speed. Now that I was speeding up, I was making her work even harder. I felt I was being inconsiderate.

Then the old maxim occurred to me: "Many hands make light work."

"Would you teach me how to sterilize?" I asked her. "Then we can do it together to save time."

"That would be wonderful!" she replied.

That's how I began assisting her to disinfect the work area between patients. We were wonderful partners, and we were able to speed up our patient flow as a result.

Anoja and her husband chat with visiting Tzu Chi volunteers at home in the Great Love Village. The acupuncture needles in his right knee had been administered by one of the volunteers. Chen Li-xue

Three more patients, please

"Dr. Huang, time for lunch," volunteer Xu Xue-zhi (許學智) said to me as he walked to my station.

We all had had a very early breakfast, so I was really hungry now that he had reminded me.

I looked around and saw that the waiting lines were moving more slowly now. Apparently, some medical workers had taken off for their lunch break. Though the sun was bright and hot, the waiting crowd did not complain.

"Zi-ning, are you hungry?" I asked my partner.

"Not too bad," she answered.

"Would it be okay with you if we worked some more, until those who are on lunch break return, before we go eat?" I asked her.

"Okay with me," Zi-ning said.

"Let me join you then," volunteer Xu said. "Show me what I can do to help and then we'll have lunch together."

"Wonderful! Let's do it!" I said.

The day quickly drew to a close. At 3:30, support volunteers began to remind medical workers to wrap things up. It was about time to call it a day. As the minutes ticked away, more dental stations around me became empty. I began to feel anxious.

"Dr. Huang, are you ready to close?" a volunteer asked me.

"May I see three more patients?" I pleaded.

"Okay, but you have to make it quick. Our shuttle bus leaves at four," the volunteer replied.

I hurried to see more patients. If they missed this opportunity to see a dentist, there was no telling when they would be able to see one next. I had heard earlier today that a patient had left his home at six in the morning and walked eight miles to the clinic to be operated on in the surgery department. It took him five hours to get here. I wondered whether there were similar patients at the dental clinic. The thought made me want to see one more patient, and then one more...and then one more.

Zi-ning and I ended up serving 48 patients that day. In three days, the dental clinic served 886 patients. This clinical service was possible only with the hard work of many people. We were good at different things. Divided, none of us could have pulled it off; but united, we provided medical service to people who badly needed it.

Local medical students interpret and assist at the traditional Chinese medicine clinic. Chen Li-xue

What did I get out of it?

I began to realize on the flight back to Taiwan that my back was aching and my eyes were bloodshot. The symptoms might have started during the free clinic, but I had been too focused on what I was doing to notice.

As the owner of a private dental practice, I must attend to many administrative and medical duties. As busy as I am, why on earth did I spend my own money, use my own time, take a long, redeye flight, and then take a four-hour bus ride only to work three overloaded days at the free clinic? As I pondered the answer, a story jumped out at me.

Once there was a man who had worked hard all through his life, but it was a life cut short by overwork.

In his afterlife, he asked the Buddha, "I worked hard all my life. What can I claim as my own?"

"I'm sorry," the Buddha replied, "but your money belongs to the bank, your body belongs to dust, and your mind belongs to time."

The man began to cry hearing this. "You mean I have nothing at all to show for my busy life?"

The Buddha smiled and said, "You do. Every moment you lived was completely yours."

I once read something to this effect: "Embrace with gratitude the gift of each day, and make the most of every moment by filling it with purpose and appreciation." That is indeed sound advice. All of our moments combined is our life story-that is something no one can take away.

Working at the free clinic may seem to be doing others a favor, but as the saying goes: It's impossible for you to give somebody a flower without its fragrance lingering on yourself. Likewise, when you light a lamp to shine a path for someone, your path forward is also lit.

After I had thought this through, my mind began to settle down on the airplane. Despite the noise around me, despite my aching back and sore eyes, I immediately drifted off to sleep, feeling fulfilled and peaceful inside.

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Tzu Chi volunteers helped in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami, which hit the country very hard. After emergency aid and a reconstruction project for survivors, volunteers continued to help local needy people. Dr. Lim Boon Howe (林文豪, second from left) brings a patient to Dr. Lin Shinn-zong (right) for a consultation.

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At the close of 2010, the Jasmine Revolution in North Africa and the subsequent civil war in Syria drove millions of refugees to flee their war-torn homelands.

Half of these refugees were innocent children, and Turkey alone received about a million refugees.

Tzu Chi volunteers from Europe, Jordan, and Turkey provided daily necessities, medical care, educational assistance, and emotional support to suffering refugee families after conducting prior evaluations of their most urgent needs.

In particular, Tzu Chi volunteers in Turkey provided educational opportunities for refugee children (see the photo), with the hope that education could empower them and help resolve their underlying resentment as a result of being exposed to violent trauma at such a young age.

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A magnitude 8.0 earthquake devastated Sichuan, China, in May 2008.

Tzu Chi volunteers arrived at the disaster zone within 50 hours after the earthquake struck, and a TIMA team served the sick and injured for 108 days.

Subsequently, Tzu Chi rebuilt 13 schools, 91 homes, and established two community service centres.

In 2011, all the 13 schools were operationally ready, with spacious and bright classrooms, and the children no longer had to endure the elements while attending classes.

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At 1.47am on 21st September 1999, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake shook Nantou County in Taiwan.

In the immediate aftermath, local Tzu Chi volunteers mobilised to distribute food and water to those affected and give them comfort.

At daybreak, volunteers from other parts of Taiwan arrived at the disaster area to distribute emergency cash aid to affected families.

Besides providing emergency aid and emotional support, Tzu Chi also built temporary housing for quake survivors, and rebuilt a total of 51 schools destroyed in the disaster.

The three-stage relief efforts helped the Foundation to establish a complete humanitarian aid model.

1. addressing the emergencies, providing hot meals, emergency funds and supplies

2. building temporary housing for the victims

3. door-to-door visit and care, understanding the extent of damage to each household to inform future case-based assistance

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In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the Philippines, where thousands of people were killed and millions were left homeless, with Tacloban City in Leyte as one of the hardest-hit urban areas along the path of the storm. Tzu Chi volunteers conducted donation drives in 46 countries, medical missions, and goods distribution for typhoon victims.

Despite the immense difficulties that were borne out of the disaster, the typhoon awakened the hearts and minds of people to volunteer, with around 13,500 residents attending the Tzu Chi Volunteer's Seminar in January 2014, with 54 training volunteers donning a collared grey shirt and Tzu Chi caps.

Other support from Tzu Chi in the Philippines and globally include 190 pre-fabricated classrooms, 129000 sacks of rice for neighboring towns and 3000 prefabricated shelters for Ormoc, Palo and Tacloban.

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Tzu Chi volunteers in Central America traveled to two locations in Guatemala to initiate large-scale relief efforts. On April 23rd and April 26th, they visited Polideportivo Santa Rosa de Lima, Santa Rose, and the El Píno de San José Pinula in Guatemala Province, respectively. They provided essential living supplies to 483 households and 62 households in each location.

The Tzu Chi members in Guatemala practice Master Cheng Yen's teaching of "Love what I love" and personally go to places in need to bring solace to suffering beings. The face-to-face distribution, the act of giving with gratitude, respect, and love truly reflects the sincerity of the volunteers. The significance of the donation ceremony goes beyond words. Throughout the process, the volunteers complemented and cooperated with each other, completing the mission of helping others harmoniously. The light of great love shines upon overseas regions.

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In July 2023, a thunderstorm devastated the small village of Amatitlan, south of the capital Managua in Nicaragua, Central America. Tzu Chi volunteers swiftly responded and provided emergency aid to the villagers. In the months of August and September, volunteers worked tirelessly to extend their care to various communities by offering warm meals to school children, reaching out to vulnerable families, and organizing free medical clinics.

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In 2020, Honduras faced further adversity with the impact of Hurricane Eta and Hurricane Laura. Volunteers rallied to aid San Jose village and launched a long-term recovery plan. The positive response from the community led to the establishment of the "Great Love Farm," a project aimed at enabling local volunteers and struggling families to achieve food self-sufficiency.

Facing challenges such as securing land and machinery, volunteers received support from a local church; it generously provided free access to a vast area of land. Although manpower for well-digging was readily available, the scarcity of a suitable plowing machine delayed the cultivation process. Determined to overcome this obstacle, volunteers decided to plow the land manually.

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Three weeks after the devastating February 6 earthquake in Turkey, Tzu Chi has been working non-stop to bring care and supplies to survivors. Also deeply affected by this tragedy was Turkey’s neighbor, Syria, which experienced the deadliest quake since the 1822 Aleppo earthquake.

Striving to deliver timely relief to disaster survivors in Syria, Tzu Chi volunteers navigated challenges with determined hearts, and now, progress has been achieved.

The Camel Textile Co. Ltd in Karak, Jordan, has generously produced and donated garments and blankets to Tzu Chi Jordan for distribution.

An agreement between the Syrian and Jordanian governments states that international humanitarian assistance may only be transported into Syria via army personnel. After much mediation, Tzu Chi Jordan and its long-time partners with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) joined hands to deliver the supplies to its border warehouse, to be entrusted to the Jordanian army for transport to the Syrian border.

On February 28, the first batch of these supplies was delivered to Syria. It was only a short ten-minute drive from the warehouse to the border, but to volunteers, it felt as though it was a groundbreaking step in Tzu Chi’s disaster relief efforts.

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The El Menahil Promise: giving hope to conflict and war survivors through support and education for children, adults, and their families (i.e., displaced Syrian families)

Site: https://tzuchicenter.org/global/menahil-promise/origins

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Seniors Engagement & Enabling Node (SEEN): As Singapore will be an aging society by 2030, Tzu Chi has responded through this program, which has the following four mandates:

Activate – Seniors staying connected with the community

Engage – Seniors curating shared experiences and fostering camaraderie

Empower – Seniors forming self-help and cross-care groups

Safeguard – Seniors staying healthy physically and socio-psychologically

SEEN offers various programmes and services in accordance with these four mandates that enhance the wellbeing of seniors and eventually inspire them to undertake charity work for the betterment of their nation and the world.

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Tzu Chi volunteers brought various supplies and materials to homeless people living in tents in order to serve as their refuge and safety in the coldest winter days and nights (e.g., blanket, socks, hot coffee, etc.)

"[T]he volunteers do their best to help ease the situation. Along with providing a hot cup of coffee, they hand over buckets filled with blankets, socks, hand warmers, and toiletries. May this gesture bring warmth to help them survive these harsh winter conditions." (Quoted from Tzu Chi Global)

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In 2005, Tzu Chi Foundation rebuilt 5 schools in Bam, Iran after the 2003 earthquake left their city in ruin.

Read here: https://reliefweb.int/report/iran-islamic-republic/iran-tzu-chi-rebuilding-five-schools-quake-stricken-bam

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The Tzu Chi Foundation has been providing humanitarian aid to refugees in Thailand since 2015. The Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), offers free basic medical services to refugees and asylum seekers in Bangkok. These services include: outpatient services, health education, referral services, and vaccinations for minors.

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Tzu Chi Thailand: Providing Medical Relief to Refugees of Bangkok - Thailand

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News and Press Release in English on Thailand about Health; published on 14 May 2015 by Tzu Chi Foundation

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Tzu Chi volunteers in Bodh Gaya, India have been providing aid to impoverished families since April 2023. They conduct regular visits and distribute daily necessities on a monthly Charity Day. Currently, 26 families are receiving long-term support with food and some even get help with rent and milk. The volunteers come from various backgrounds including Singapore, Malaysia, local teachers and residents. One particular beneficiary is a 75-year-old woman named Puniya Devi who relies on the program for milk. Volunteering can be challenging due to lack of phones among the families but the volunteers persevere and have been warmly welcomed by the locals.

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Tzu Chi volunteers have been conducting home visits to impoverished households in Bodh Gaya, India, since April 2023. Regular visits are made to those in dire need, with daily necessities distributed on the monthly Charity Day, easing concerns about sustenance for destitute families.

Currently, 26 households receive long-term support. The provisions on Charity Day, including rice, whole wheat flour, chickpeas, pigeon peas, potatoes, cooking oil, and other foods, are tailored to family size. A few villagers receive additional assistance for rent and milk expenses. Alongside volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia, local schoolteachers, sewing class participants, and other residents form teams to distribute the goods. They first obtain fresh supplies from wholesalers before commencing their visits.

Puniya Devi, a 75-year-old resident of Bakraur, is one of the milk recipients. Abandoned by her children, she resides in a dim hut, her only company being her granddaughter, who is still in school. On one Charity Day, since her granddaughter hadn't returned home from school, volunteers directly collected milk from the supplier to deliver to Puniya. The supplier assured the volunteers that the granddaughter collected the milk every day at the usual time, asking them not to worry.

Sudha Kumari, a volunteer who joined the charity team in November 2023, expressed her fondness for charity work. She grew up in a family with comfortable means, with her father working in a government agency, so she had little exposure to extreme poverty until her home visits with Tzu Chi. Witnessing the hardships of others, she is eager to contribute her efforts. She said that she not only aids her fellow compatriots but also learns how to help others by volunteering with Tzu Chi.

Conducting home visits to the needy can be challenging for volunteers, as many beneficiary families don't have phones. Volunteers must sometimes make multiple trips before reaching the family. However, due to their prolonged presence in the villages, locals warmly greet them, with some even joining in efforts to care for their neighbors.

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Monthly Charity Day By Ding Bi-hui (丁碧輝) Edited and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting (吳曉婷) Photo by Beh Chun How (馬俊豪) Monthly Charity Day By Ding Bi-hui (丁碧輝) Edited and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting (吳曉婷) Photo by Beh Chun How (馬俊豪) Tzu Chi volunteers have been conducting home visits to impoverished households in Bodh Gaya, India,

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A powerful earthquake hit Morocco in September 2023. Tzu Chi Foundation, a global charity, partnered with a local Moroccan organization to deliver aid to affected villages. They provided food, hygiene supplies, and blankets to over 3,000 families and even donated mobile shower units to help with sanitation. Their goal was to assist over 12,000 households by the beginning of 2024.

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Tzu Chi volunteers have been conducting home visits to impoverished households in Bodh Gaya, India, since April 2023. Regular visits are made to those in dire need, with daily necessities distributed on the monthly Charity Day, easing concerns about sustenance for destitute families.

Currently, 26 households receive long-term support. The provisions on Charity Day, including rice, whole wheat flour, chickpeas, pigeon peas, potatoes, cooking oil, and other foods, are tailored to family size. A few villagers receive additional assistance for rent and milk expenses. Alongside volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia, local schoolteachers, sewing class participants, and other residents form teams to distribute the goods. They first obtain fresh supplies from wholesalers before commencing their visits.

Puniya Devi, a 75-year-old resident of Bakraur, is one of the milk recipients. Abandoned by her children, she resides in a dim hut, her only company being her granddaughter, who is still in school. On one Charity Day, since her granddaughter hadn't returned home from school, volunteers directly collected milk from the supplier to deliver to Puniya. The supplier assured the volunteers that the granddaughter collected the milk every day at the usual time, asking them not to worry.

Sudha Kumari, a volunteer who joined the charity team in November 2023, expressed her fondness for charity work. She grew up in a family with comfortable means, with her father working in a government agency, so she had little exposure to extreme poverty until her home visits with Tzu Chi. Witnessing the hardships of others, she is eager to contribute her efforts. She said that she not only aids her fellow compatriots but also learns how to help others by volunteering with Tzu Chi.

Conducting home visits to the needy can be challenging for volunteers, as many beneficiary families don't have phones. Volunteers must sometimes make multiple trips before reaching the family. However, due to their prolonged presence in the villages, locals warmly greet them, with some even joining in efforts to care for their neighbors.

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Monthly Charity Day By Ding Bi-hui (丁碧輝) Edited and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting (吳曉婷) Photo by Beh Chun How (馬俊豪) Monthly Charity Day By Ding Bi-hui (丁碧輝) Edited and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting (吳曉婷) Photo by Beh Chun How (馬俊豪) Tzu Chi volunteers have been conducting home visits to impoverished households in Bodh Gaya, India,

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The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) delivered aid to 31,000 flood victims in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, Pakistan between October 2022 and January 2023. Focusing on vulnerable groups like female-headed households and people with disabilities, BTCF distributed essential supplies like food, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters. This was often the first assistance these families had received, allowing them to properly feed their children for the first time in months. Recipients particularly appreciated the respectful way aid was distributed, a stark contrast to past experiences.

BTCF partnered with five other organizations and overcame logistical challenges to ensure successful deliveries. They also expressed gratitude to Airlink for transporting aid materials into Pakistan.

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Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and Partners Assist Flood Survivors in Pakistan - Pakistan

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News and Press Release in English on Pakistan about Food and Nutrition, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Flash Flood, Flood and more; published on 3 Feb 2023 by Tzu Chi Foundation

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The Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (Tzu Chi) provided humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe during a drought. They delivered 440 tons of rice, benefiting nearly 200,000 people in 42,000 families. This critical support reached areas like Mt Darwin, where hundreds of households received rice packs. Tzu Chi is committed to ongoing assistance and is exploring ways to help rural schools with learning materials and infrastructure.

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Because of the drought in Zimbabwe, Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation deliver 440 tons of rice to reduce crisis of the food shortage. The relief mission benefit almost 200,000 in 42,000 families.

In Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province, at least 500 households in 10 wards of the drought hit area of Mukumbura who have received rice packs from Tzu Chi.

Tzu Chi is undertaking humanitarian aid in Zimbabwe. The donation comes at a time when government has intensified efforts to mitigate effects of the El-Nino induced drought.

Speaking at the handover of three tones of the cereal, Small to Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development Deputy Minister Noveti Muponera who is also the National Assembly member for Mt Darwin North, he said, "The donation mainly benefited the elderly and orphans in the area. It will help a lot. We thank the foundation for this donation." This humanitarian project provides relief to people in the area.

Besides rice distribution, Tzu Chi is also looking into how we can assist rural schools with learning materials and infrastructure.

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation

Copyright ©Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. All Rights Reserved

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Tzu Chi's relief mission in Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe

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News and Press Release in English on Zimbabwe about Food and Nutrition and Drought; published on 27 Mar 2016 by Tzu Chi Foundation

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Emergency response aid during natural disasters such as the recent 2023 flooding and Nargis cyclone 2008

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1. Emergency response aid during the earthquake in 2023

2. Refugee assistance e.g. the Syrian refugee currently reside in Syria

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1. Emergency response aid during the natural disaster e.g. Indian Tsunami 2024

2. Medical assistance/ free clinic in remote areas

3. Distributing food for the needy

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1. Medical assistance for the Afghan refugees located outside Afghanistan

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1. Education: building around 18 schools

2. Disaster relief and community assistance: assisting Cyclone Idai affected local community

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1. Emergency response aid during the Covid 19 pandemic

2. Disaster relief aid e.g. during the 2020 flooding in Battambang

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In Johor Bahru, Malaysia, strong winds recently swept through Kangkar Tebrau, blowing away more than 100 rooftops. After assessing the damages, volunteers of Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation in Malaysia, arrived on the scene to distribute 300 packs of daily supplies and blankets. The assistance this time reminded the residents that ten years ago Tzu Chi was also there to offer help in the aftermath of a disaster.

After the disaster damage assessment, 60 Tzu Chi volunteers had returned to Kangkar Tebrau. Divided into four teams taking different routes, they delivered aid supplies and blankets to the residents in need.

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In Johor Bahru, Malaysia, strong winds recently swept through Kangkar Tebrau, blowing away more than 100 rooftops. After assessing the damages, volunteers of Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation in Malaysia, arrived on the scene to distribute 300 packs of daily supplies and blankets. The assistance this time reminded the residents that ten years ago Tzu Chi was also there to offer help in the aftermath of a disaster.

After the disaster damage assessment, 60 Tzu Chi volunteers had returned to Kangkar Tebrau. Divided into four teams taking different routes, they delivered aid supplies and blankets to the residents in need.

Because of the recent wind calamity has blown away more than 100 rooftops of houses in Kangkar Tebrau. The volunteers were worried about how the residents were able to endure nighttime chills.

In the dark night, Tzu Chi volunteers used a flashlight to illuminate the area and read aloud a consolation letter, while delivering the supplies with both hands.

Juliet, one of disaster victim, said: "No matter what supplies Tzu Chi distribute, I am very grateful. I don't know how to express my feelings with words." Mona Munshi, another disaster victim, also said that: "I can use this blanket tonight. What we need the most are beds, pillows and blankets like this one."

The volunteers' assistance reminds the villagers that Tzu Chi volunteers were the first ones to offer help in the aftermath of a flood ten years ago. The blankets they gave out back then still keep the residents warm.

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation

Copyright ©Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. All Rights Reserved

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Tzu Chi's humanitarian aid to disaster victims in Malaysia - Malaysia

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News and Press Release in English on Malaysia about Shelter and Non-Food Items and Severe Local Storm; published on 29 Jun 2016 by Tzu Chi Foundation

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Tzu Chi helped with the flood victims in Bangladesh (1991).

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Tzu Chi was among the humanitarian organizations that helped with disaster relief after the Haiti Earthquake (1991).

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• Disaster relief was extended to the victims of the devastating earthquake in 2017

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• Medical care for refugees (2015)

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The El Menahil Promise was a Tzu Chi initiative to support the needs of Syrian refugees now living in Turkey.

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The local tzu chi group here in our island province has done various projects. Most notable of all was during their relief operations and aid during the 7.3 magnitude earthquake last 2013. In particular, inside various schools in strategic locations they have erected temporary rooms where students and teachers held their classes for the meantime.

Furthermore, they continue to support students here in Bohol by giving out scholarships.

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Following Russia's devastating attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Tzu Chi volunteers swiftly responded with humanitarian aid efforts, particularly focusing on Opole, Poland, which had seen a significant influx of Ukrainian refugees. Led by local entrepreneurs Radoslaw Atlas and Hui Ju Chen-Atlas, Tzu Chi provided aid including gift and cash cards, blankets, and language classes in collaboration with the University of Opole to improve refugees' employment prospects. Hui Ju's dedication, even during her visit to Taiwan, led to an ongoing mission in Opole, with Tzu Chi volunteers forming strong partnerships with local organizations like the Social Activity Center and the Red Cross. Their efforts extended to cultural integration activities for children and support for elderly residents, including donations of essential appliances to refugee housing. Radoslaw and Hui Ju's exemplary commitment embodied Tzu Chi's core values and made them influential advocates for its mission in Opole.

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Tzu Chi's Story of Compassion in Opole, Poland to Help Ukrainians

Tzu Chi volunteers bring warmth to Opole as they support Ukrainian refugees. Their partnership with locals and NGOs sparks hope and integration.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a devastating attack on Ukraine from multiple directions, resulting in a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes and fled in harsh winter conditions. In response to this tragedy, Tzu Chi volunteers swiftly initiated humanitarian aid efforts in March. They not only distributed aid directly but also forged partnerships with eleven other NGOs, including ADRA, WORLD HOPE, ISRA AID, International Red Cross, UNICEF, Salesian Missions of the Catholic Church, and the Catholic Caritas Society, among others, to ensure that the displaced Ukrainian people received timely assistance.

The Seeds of Tzu Chi in Opole

One area where Tzu Chi extended its support was Opole, a city in southwestern Poland, which had received a significant influx of Ukrainian refugees due to its proximity to Ukraine. Initially, there were no Tzu Chi volunteers in Opole, but the arrival of refugees and the dedication of local entrepreneurs, Radoslaw Atlas and his wife, Hui Ju Chen-Atlas (陳惠如), both deeply committed to public welfare, led to a strong connection with Tzu Chi.

From June to the end of July 2022, Opole witnessed several large-scale aid distributions at its stadium. Tzu Chi provided gift cards, cash cards, and blankets to Ukrainian families in need. Since December, Tzu Chi has collaborated with the University of Opole to organize Polish language classes; they aim to improve the employment prospects of the refugees. Throughout 2023, Tzu Chi has continued visits to refugee shelters, delivering blankets and providing care to those affected.

In October, Hui Ju, a Taiwanese national, returned to Taiwan to visit her family after the COVID-19 pandemic. She had a heartwarming conversation with Master Cheng Yen at the Kaohsiung Jing Si Hall. Encouraged by her husband, she took up the mantle of Tzu Chi's work in the region. Hui Ju has been tirelessly assisting individuals and organizations, organizing language classes to help Ukrainians adapt to their new lives. Consequently, when Tzu Chi volunteers from European countries took turns caring for people in Poland, Opole naturally became a vital stop on their mission.

In late July, a caring team, including German volunteer Shu-Wei Chen (陳樹微), Austrian volunteer Liu Yueh Ying (游月英), and German volunteers Huang Bao-Lian (黃寶蓮), Chen Shu-Nu (陳淑女), and Tsai Wan-Zhen (蔡婉珍), who had known the couple since the previous year, visited Opole.

Looking for Partnership

On July 26th, accompanied by Radoslaw and Hui Ju, the care team visited the Social Activity Center, a subsidiary organization of the Opole Social Bureau. This center has been operating 24/7 since the start of the Russian invasion, assisting refugees in their settlement. Tzu Chi volunteers have built a strong bond with the center's staff, including Ms. Agnieszka, who had been instrumental in facilitating their aid activities. The volunteers also met Mr. David, in charge of the Opole branch of the Red Cross; both organizations expressed a desire to collaborate in aiding the suffering population.

The Social Welfare Bureau takes care of young and old

During the visit, Tzu Chi volunteers had the opportunity to engage with children in the "Summer Child Care Parent Classes" provided by the Social Affairs Bureau. They introduced Taiwanese culture and Tzu Chi's philosophy, fostering cultural integration and spreading love among children from Poland and Ukraine.

The elderly were not forgotten; the Opole Social Bureau has offered numerous activities for retired seniors, ensuring their retirement was both fulfilling and enjoyable. Tzu Chi volunteers presented gifts to the elderly and made an effort to include everyone, ensuring that even those with mobility issues could participate and feel the warmth of the volunteers' care.

Ms Ansika, Secretary of Social Affairs, was unable to meet the volunteers due to her absence on a business trip. She left a message conveying the heartfelt gratitude of Bureau for Tzu Chi's continuous support to Ukrainian refugees in Opole, whether through gift cards, cash cards, or essential goods.

Furthermore, Tzu Chi volunteers donated 6 washing machines and 6 dryers to Opole University of Science and Technology's Socrates Dormitory, which housed around 300 refugees. This act exemplified the fruitful collaboration between Tzu Chi and the local government, thanks to the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Atlas.

The volunteers noted that Radoslaw and Hui Ju exemplified the spirit of Tzu Chi - loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. These dedicated individuals have become excellent advocates for Tzu Chi's mission.

Tzu Chi is our Family!

Before departing, the couple hosted the volunteers at their home, where everyone enjoyed a warm, family-like dinner. During a tour of their home, Radoslaw revealed that the tiles on his bathroom wall featured bodhi leaves -- this prompted a meaningful discussion about the story of the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The bond between the volunteers and this remarkable couple was palpable, as they recognized themselves as part of the Tzu Chi family.

The Tzu Chi volunteers left Opole with fond memories of their time with this extraordinary couple, eager to continue their mission of compassion and aid for those in need worldwide.

A Jing Si Aphorism says: "To be brave enough to undertake responsibilities is an inspiring force."
Join Tzu Chi. Let us spread Great Love to the needy.
Story by Shu-Wei Chen, Chu Hsiu-Lien, and Hui Ju Chen-Atlas

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Tzu Chi's Story of Compassion in Opole, Poland to Help Ukrainians | Tzu Chi Charity Foundation

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Tzu Chi volunteers bring warmth to Opole as they support Ukrainian refugees. Their partnership with locals and NGOs sparks hope and integration.

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Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a significant number of Ukrainians have sought refuge abroad, leaving behind vulnerable individuals within the country. A charitable organization in Lithuania, "Food for Ukraine," has been instrumental in providing aid to those affected. Collaborating with partners and sponsors, they've distributed numerous truckloads of groceries worth millions of euros, primarily aiding single disadvantaged individuals and children in need of social care. This assistance extended to regions like Kuhari and Pidgaine in the Kyiv region, heavily impacted by the conflict. Through international collaboration, including efforts with Tzu Chi, thousands of food packages were distributed weekly for 14 weeks, benefiting displaced families, the homeless, elderly, orphans, and people with disabilities, providing a crucial lifeline amidst the ongoing crisis.

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Tzu Chi and Food for Ukraine Distribute 28,000 Food Packages in Kyiv | Tzu Chi Charity Foundation

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In the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Tzu Chi partners with Lithuanian NGO, distributing 28,000 food packages to needy residents in Ukraine.

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Since 2016, Tzu Chi volunteers from Europe have been actively engaged in providing care and essential supplies to refugees in Serbia, particularly in the aftermath of the political turmoil and civil war caused by the "Arab Spring" movement in 2011. This initiative intensified in 2015 when over half a million refugees entered Serbia, prompting the establishment of nineteen refugee camps. Tzu Chi volunteers, including recent efforts by a multinational team in February 2023, have consistently collaborated with local refugee commissions to deliver compassion and support across five nearby camps in Belgrade. Their ongoing dedication reflects a commitment to alleviate the challenges faced by refugees transiting through Serbia, highlighting the organization's enduring ethos of love and care across borders.

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Caring for Refugees in Serbian Camps: Compassion Across Borders

On February 8, 2023, four Tzu Chi volunteers from Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, with a Ukrainian volunteer Sergei from Poland, arrived in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Over the next three days, they joined forces with twelve local volunteers to visit five nearby refugee camps to deliver care and love. Affinity In 2011, political turmoil and civil war resulting from the "Arab Spring" movement led to millions of people being displaced in the Middle East and North Africa. These refugees,

On February 8, 2023, four Tzu Chi volunteers from Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, with a Ukrainian volunteer Sergei from Poland, arrived in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Over the next three days, they joined forces with twelve local volunteers to visit five nearby refugee camps to deliver care and love.
Affinity
In 2011, political turmoil and civil war resulting from the "Arab Spring" movement led to millions of people being displaced in the Middle East and North Africa. These refugees, from countries like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, embarked on a journey through the "Balkan Route" en route to what they saw as more stable or prosperous nations in Western Europe and North America.

In the central Balkan Peninsula, Serbia serves as a crucial transit country, between Europe and Asia, as well as the Middle East and Africa. In 2015 alone, over half a million refugees flooded into Serbia; it established nineteen refugee camps. In 2016, Tzu Chi volunteers from Europe started working with local refugee commissions to provide care and deliver essential supplies. The flow of refugees has not ceased, and the aid effort of the volunteers has never stopped. They return year after year, bringing love and compassion.

On February 8, 2023, the four Tzu Chi volunteers from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, and Ukrainian volunteer Sergei from Poland, arrived in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Over the next three days, they worked with twelve local volunteers to visit five nearby refugee camps -- Obrenovac, Adasevci, Sid, Principovac, and Krnjaca. They distributed blankets and winter clothes to the residents. The distribution of winter clothes in the Sombor and Kikinda camps was handled by the Refugee Commission.

Despite sunny weather on February 9, the temperature was cold, at - 5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit), and thin ice covered the ground. "It's still freezing here," said German volunteer Shu-wei Chen (陳樹微) as the team arrived at the Obrenovac camp early in the morning. Since it was breakfast time, they first went to the cafeteria to deliver care to their refugee friends. Apart from hot tea, bread was the main meal for breakfast and dinner.

Inside the cafeteria, five televisions were playing programs donated by Tzu Chi in 2018. This allowed the refugees, uncertain about their future, to find solace in watching Da Ai (Great Love) Television programs as they had their meals. The broadcasting was interrupted for over two years by kitchen renovation but resumed in 2022.

The refugee friends lined up in good order with trays in the cafeteria; it was a significant improvement over the previous year when the tables were messy. Dalibor, a volunteer from Bosnia, has been providing care for refugees in the Obrenovac camp since 2016.

After breakfast, the experienced Tzu Chi volunteer team from Serbia swiftly arranged the distribution of materials. Obrenovac camp houses around 500 refugees, most from Afghanistan. Many of them had hastily fled their homes, wearing shoes that did not match or even different types of slippers.

Serbian volunteer Zarko said that some refugees did not even have warm clothes or shoes. Some were only wearing short sleeves. He said: "I think these warm clothes (tracksuits) and blankets we provide will be of great help for them to get through the severe winter."

Zarko joined Tzu Chi as a volunteer five or six years ago when he was still a university student. Now he has a full-time job. Assisting in the distribution at the refugee camps has become a habit for him, and it is also his duty. This time he took leave from work to participate and said: "I feel very happy after each distribution because I can help people who genuinely need assistance." Zarko enjoys this work, and the refugees are delighted to see Tzu Chi volunteers, because they create a positive atmosphere.

Blankets

Obrenovac has become the central warehouse for the refugee camps; supplies are managed collectively there. During this visit, the volunteers brought 2,200 blankets. "Thanks to Tzu Chi's donations over the years, the blankets have been a great support for us to endure the harsh winter. We are grateful for all the supplies donated by Tzu Chi," said Nicola, the camp director of Obrenovac, during a simple donation ceremony. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers.

On the morning of February 10th, the volunteers arrived at Adasevci Refugee Camp, located next to a highway. This camp houses young male refugees. The team quickly organized themselves and followed the established procedure for distribution. The refugees were asked to queue up; after scanning and registration, they received winter clothing respectfully presented by the volunteers.

This time Shu-wei Chen, who returned to Taiwan last year, brought blessings from Master Cheng Yen and Red Packets of Blessings and Wisdom to be given to the camp director, Dragon. He was very grateful for the gift from Master Cheng Yen: "Thank you very much to Tzu Chi for the help provided to the refugee camp over the years. I appreciate Tzu Chi's unwavering support and everything they have done for the refugees." Dragon travels extensively, driving nearly 500 kilometers (about 311 miles) each month. He said, "I always carry a blessed red envelope with me, hoping for everything to go smoothly and for happiness and peace."

Minina, a 60-year-old employee of the Refugee Committee, has cared for the refugees like a mother. She has treated the young refugees as her own children, and they see her as a mother figure. She has lived in the refugee camp and has been on call 24 hours a day. She said: "Each refugee has their own difficulties, and I am willing to dedicate my time to them." The young people, who should be full of vitality, are trapped in a foreign land; they have seen one hope after another dashed, and Minina cannot bear to see their plight.

Comfort and Care
In the afternoon, the volunteers went to Sid Refugee Camp. As in Adasevci, Tzu Chi has provided comfort and care to its residents for many years. The volunteers naturally interacted with everyone. The refugees were happy to see the volunteers; the children greeted them with innocent smiles. The volunteers felt sorry for them in the harsh winter, lacking sufficient warm clothing. Shu-wei Chen took out the donated winter clothing and let the children try them on to see if they fit. A little girl, over one-year-old, put on a mini version of winter clothing and no longer felt the cold. She walked around freely in the sub-zero temperature, bringing deep comfort to the volunteers.

The new camp director mentioned that families with children were concentrated in the Sid Refugee Camp. It had 102 refugees from Morocco, Syria, Cuba, Iran, Afghanistan, Romania, Ethiopia, and Russia.

Principovac Refugee Camp was only twenty minutes away from Sid. It was an old children's hospital, close to a border checkpoint with Croatia. Compared to refugees in other camps, the young people there appeared more expressionless; but the volunteers still treated them with gratitude, respect, and love. Receiving a warm set of clothes in the cold weather gradually softened the anxious lines on their faces.

February 11 th was a sunny day, but the ground was still frozen. The volunteers arrived at Krnjaca Refugee Camp. More and more African refugees have entered this camp. Due to the language barrier, the volunteers interacted with them through dance; this gradually melted their defenses and brought smiles to their faces. The distribution was divided into three lines for males, females, and children; the volunteers kindly handed out winter clothing to them.

Jelena Sur lan was a coordinator at the Serbian Reception Center, and Djurdja Surlan the camp director at Krnjaca. Both expressed their gratitude for Tzu Chi's support to the refugee camp for such a long time since 2016. Jelena said to the volunteers: "You are our dearest friends, and today you have brought blankets and warm clothing again. Thank you very much for your continued support."

The planning of each distribution and the communication among various parties, including the refugee camp staff, vendors, and Tzu Chi internally, was coordinated by Serbian volunteer Tamara Ilic Petrov. Tamara hoped that more local volunteers could join. In the past,they were predominantly male volunteers; but, recently, female volunteers have started joining the Great Love efforts.
Tzu Chi Culture
Three of them were children of the Refugee Committee and bilingual, making it easier for them to communicate with the European volunteers. Tamara also taught the new volunteers about Tzu Chi's culture. For example, when a refugee injured their foot while fleeing, she personally comforted them and provided winter clothing. Everyone followed her and experienced the rituals, bowing 90 degrees and applying "Tzu Chi Face Cream" -- warm smiles -- to their faces, bringing warmth like winter sunshine.

Milica, daughter of the Secretary of the Refugee Committee, enjoyed being able to contribute. Danica felt that the sportswear and sweatpants provided by Tzu Chi were very helpful for the refugees since the outside temperature was below freezing, and they only had slippers, shorts, and short-sleeved shirts to wear.

She was grateful to be able to give back; seeing the smiles on the refugees' faces when they received the clothing made her happy as well. Janja, her sister, understood the sadness and distress of the refugees and knew that they needed warm clothing. Even though not everyone could express themselves well or even show any reaction, she believed that a smile was enough to make it all worthwhile.
United by Love
Shu-wei Chen has formed an inseparable bond with Serbia. Whenever she and the other volunteers visit the refugee camps, they approach the refugees waiting in line to provide care and uplift them with positive energy. Ming-zhu Zheng (鄭明珠), also from Germany, is a Tzu Chi volunteer who has long been working alongside Shu-wei in caring for refugees. Italian volunteer Ai-hua Lin (林愛華), in her seventies, seized the opportunity and traveled all the way to Serbia to accompany them. Su Zhen Wang (王素真) , who flew in from the UK, guided young volunteers in explaining the principles of how to make a documentary with unwavering dedication. Sergio, a key figure in Tzu Chi's distributions in Lublin, Poland specifically accompanied Shu-wei to Serbia to learn.

The three-day distribution of winter clothing concluded successfully. All the volunteers gathered for a group photo with the Refugee Committee. Despite the terrible earthquake on the Turkey-Syria border on February 6, the volunteers rallied the Refugee Committee to raise funds and love for the affected areas. Everyone participated eagerly, and a total of 1,160 euros (approximately US$ 1,245) was raised.

"All around the world should help the people affected by the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria. They need assistance," said a Syrian refugee with the volunteers during their visit to the Obrenovac refugee camp. Turkiye is their escape route, and his cousin happened to be in Turkey when the earthquake struck, with no communication since then. He expressed his sorrow, saying: "I wish blessings upon Turkiye and its people. If I were in Türkiye, I would also help the Turkish people."

Tzu Chi's love knows no boundaries of race, region, or religion. Wherever there is a need, Tzu Chi volunteers are there. It is heartening to witness the continuous emergence of local Serbian volunteers who accompany displaced refugees in their journey, united by love.

It is like the lyrics of the song Give Love:

"Love is the language of souls.
Love is held in hearts, not hands alone.
Love is our small wish for you to enjoy.
We wish you forever peace and joy."

Join Tzu Chi. Let us spread Great love to the needy together.

Story by Su-wei Chen, Xiu-lien Zhu, Su Zhen Wang from Europe 2023/05/20

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Caring for Refugees in Serbian Camps: Compassion Across Borders | Tzu Chi Charity Foundation

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On February 8, 2023, four Tzu Chi volunteers from Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, with a Ukrainian volunteer Sergei from Poland, arrived in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Over the next three days, they joined forces with twelve local volunteers to visit five nearby refugee camps to deliver care and love.

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Following Hurricane Ian's extensive damage to the southeastern United States in September, Tzu Chi volunteers organized their first distribution in Florida on October 15, specifically targeting the hardest-hit areas of Arcadia City and Fort Myers City, assisting 235 households affected by the disaster. Their relief efforts gained attention when a producer from Fox Weather reached out to interview Tzu Chi about their ongoing work amidst the hurricane aftermath. The interview, lasting about four minutes, highlighted Tzu Chi's coordination with agencies like FEMA and SBA to aid victims, emphasizing the substantial need for assistance identified by their disaster survey team during their visits to Lee County communities. This distribution marked the beginning of ongoing relief efforts in the region.

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Tzu Chi Holds First Distribution in Florida After Hurricane Ian

After Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to the southeast United States in September, Tzu Chi volunteers in the U.S. held the first distribution on Saturday, October 15, in the hardest-hit areas of Florida, Arcadia City, and Fort Myers City. They helped a total of 235 disaster-affected households. Charity under the Spotlight On October 13th, the Tzu Chi relief team received an email from a producer of Fox Weather, who said that, while he continued to report the damage caused by Hurricane

After Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to the southeast United States in September, Tzu Chi volunteers in the U.S. held the first distribution on Saturday, October 15, in the hardest-hit areas of Florida, Arcadia City, and Fort Myers City. They helped a total of 235 disaster-affected households.

Charity under the Spotlight

On October 13th, the Tzu Chi relief team received an email from a producer of Fox Weather, who said that, while he continued to report the damage caused by Hurricane Ian to Florida, he had noticed the relief efforts by Tzu Chi in Lee County.

He said that he hoped to interview Tzu Chi on-line. The interview lasted about four minutes. On the afternoon of the 14th, Tzu Chi volunteer leader, Bob Lynch, made a live connection with Fox Weather and explained Tzu Chi's efforts for the affected households and the disaster situation after Hurricane Ian, and how Tzu Chi coordinated the disaster relief operations.

Lynch explained to the host there are many affected people going to the Disaster Recovery Center every day for help, and Tzu Chi works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small and Medium Business Administration (SBA) to protect the victims.

After the Tzu Chi disaster survey team arrived on October 8, they visited many communities in Lee County, and heard many touching stories. They found that the residents needed a great deal of help. On October 15, Tzu Chi conducted a distribution in Arcadia City and Fort Myers City. Courses 1 and 2 would be distributed and continue each week thereafter.

It Is True

Tzu Chi volunteers improved the level of relief for victims of Hurricane Ian. Considering the soaring inflation in the United States and the serious damage to the homes of those affected, they increased the payment amount. Each household would receive a cash card ranging from US$800 to US$1,200, according to the family size.

When the confirmation information was sent to the mobile phones or mailboxes of the victims eligible for this collection, the team received several calls. The affected did not expect the unconditional relief money to be real. They expressed their gratitude with a lump in their throats.

Luo Chi-yao, CEO of Tzu Chi's Texas branch, said: "Most of the residents here are migrant workers, and they are all agricultural workers with very low incomes."

Thank You Tzu Chi for Coming Here

Arcadia resident Tiare Holliman said gratefully: "We lost all our possessions, and the place where we lived, but we survived. Thank God for sending you here, giving us hope, and moving forward strength."

In the afternoon, the disaster relief team came to Fort Myers to distribute the cash cards. The affected all came to the Disaster Recovery Center to collect the cards. In the same week, they had all applied online, and received the cards at the Tzu Chi booth.

Fort Myers resident Karen Albert said: "The prayer and the singing bring us hope. The second thing is the most important with this thing forward. I will do everything in my power, if I can help anyone, and I'll save my pennies, and all I have, and I will pay it forward."

Charlene McNamara, a resident of Fort Myers, said: "I will be using it (the money) to rent a place because mine is completely gone."

Fort Myers resident Tom Valensky said: "I lost everything. You are so wonderful. Thank you."

Michael, a resident of Fort Myers, said: "I brought my friend here. She lost everything. She got out with her clothes on her back and her purse. (After getting the card), she sat in my car. Her eyes all swell up because she can't believe your kindness. May we give back your tenfold. I promise."

Fort Myers resident Angelica Ramon said happily: "I'm really happy because we receive help. We're going to buy mattresses, and all the supplies we need. Thank you so much. Some people don't believe me. This is the proof. It is real. Thank you."

In the tears of the affected people is the pain of losing everything. In the tight embrace is gratitude for Tzu Chi's help when they are in need.

Tzu Chi volunteers serve with love and work in unity and harmony.
Join Tzu Chi and let us spread warmth all over the world.
Article: Fan Ting, report in the USA

Source Link: https://www.tzuchi.org.tw/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1671&limitstart=false

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Tzu Chi Holds First Distribution in Florida After Hurricane Ian | Tzu Chi Charity Foundation

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After Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to the southeast United States in September, Tzu Chi volunteers in the U.S. held the first distribution on Saturday, October 15, in the hardest-hit areas of Florida, Arcadia City, and Fort Myers City. They helped a total of 235 disaster-affected households.

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Tzu Chi has been actively involved in aiding victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, collaborating with Hashemite, a charity organization in Jordan, to deliver much-needed aid to Syria. Through the generous donation of more than 420,000 pieces of clothing by a Taiwanese businessman, the first batch of supplies, including children's clothing and blankets, successfully reached Syria after being transported to the Syrian border by the Jordanian military. Despite the complexities of delivering goods into Syria, including strict controls, Tzu Chi volunteers and partners like Hashemite worked tirelessly to ensure that aid reached those affected by the disaster, with plans for further deliveries of warm supplies like jackets, hats, gloves, and boots to continue supporting the relief efforts.

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Tzu Chi Collaborates with Jordanian NGO to Deliver First Batch of Aid Supplies to Syria | Tzu Chi Charity Foundation

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To aid the victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkiye and Syria, Tzu Chi has not only provided supplies and care to the affected areas in Turkiye but has also actively sought ways to help Syria, which was also heavily affected. The good news is that it has recently made progress in supplying aid to Syria. Tzu Chi has cooperated with Hashemite, a charity organization in Jordan. Thanks to a donation by a Taiwanese businessman, the first batch of more than 420,000 pieces of clothing has arriv

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In late February 2023, the record-breaking "Cyclone Freddy" struck the countries of southern Africa. Continuous deforestation, along with a cyclone bringing heavy rain for five days in Blantyre, the capital of Malawi, led to floods and rockslides. Many homes and villages were destroyed.

From March 15 to 17, Tzu Chi volunteers rode motorcycles or pushed carts on muddy roads to transport supplies. They went into hard-hit areas like Chigojo, Machinjiri, and Tavera, surveyed the damages, and gave food to those affected. As in post-disaster reconstruction, the "Brick House Reconstruction Project" was launched to rebuild 177 brick houses in fifteen villages in Blantyre and provide shelter for the affected residents.

On April 30, Tzu Chi volunteers Yachi Yuan (袁亞棋) and Frank Zhu (朱恆民) from South Africa, along with local leaders, went to the Machinjiri market to learn about materials for rebuilding houses. They checked the quality and prices of doors, windows, and wood, to choose strong materials for the reconstruction.