Tzu Chi Texas Chapter Hits Streets
for Disaster Victims in Taiwan
Translated by Joanna Liu, Northern
California
Many disaster victims
lost their homes when Typhoon Nari devastated Taiwan. On October
6, 2001, the Tzu Chi Texas chapter went to the streets to
raise funds for the people who suffered from the calamity.
The night before the big day, it was raining.
Tzu Chi volunteers worried that the rain could impact the
fundraising activities. "Will we be able to raise any
money outdoors in this kind of weather?" "Should
we still hold this event if it rains tomorrow?" The volunteers
shared their concerns regarding the weather amongst themselves.
Looking up at the rainy sky, everyone prayed that the event
the next day would go well.
The next morning, it was overcast. The
temperature dropped as a cold front hit the area. Volunteers
put on their Tzu Chi jackets and sweaters and lined up outside
the supermarkets to ask for donations. As usual, they greeted
people with smiles. "Please help the victims of Typhoon
Nari in Taiwan. We need your love and compassion. Every penny
counts." People continuously flowed in and out of the
stores. Some simply walked past the volunteers, and some acknowledged
them by nodding their heads. Others generously contributed
their money and kindness to the donation boxes.
We were moved to see that many parents
took advantage of this opportunity to educate their children.
They gave the money to the children and told them to put it
in the donation boxes. The kids learned through sharing that
"Giving is the root of happiness." This selfless
act also taught the kids to appreciate and cherish what they
have.
The volunteers wore their jackets against
the chilly wind, but their determination to help was not shaken.
The volunteers got a break from the weather: it was windy
but not rainy on that special day. The day's fundraising brought
not only much-needed disaster relief funds, but also heartwarming
love and compassion for Taiwanese typhoon victims from the
people of Texas.
