Tzu Chi worldwide begins fundraising to
embrace South Asia with Great Love and needs your help
The powerful earthquake
centered under the seas outside of Aceh, Indonesia has triggered
devastating tsunamis, bringing major catastrophes to the
nations of South and Southeast Asia. In the aftermath of
the disaster, it is estimated that millions of survivors
will be left without even basic essentials.
Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a volunteer-based humanitarian
organization, has launched a relief effort to aid tsunami
survivors in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Members around the world have started a campaign to raise
funds for earthquake and tsunami victims in South Asia on
Jan. 1, 2005. The campaign in Taiwan will last three months
until March 31.
Tzu Chi's relief team is already in Sri Lanka and Aceh to
distribute material supplies and medicine, provide medical
care, and assess needs of survivors to prepare for longer-term
aid. Tzu Chi's principles in humanitarian aid are Priority
and Directness -- to focus aid on areas of greatest need,
and to give aid directly in person, hand to hand, so we
may embrace and comfort victims of disaster.
Master Cheng Yen, founder of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
is very concerned over the catastrophic situation. She feels
profound sadness and deepest sympathy toward the tens of
thousands of people who fell survivor to the tragedy. Master
Cheng Yen expressed that last year at this time, a major
earthquake also struck Iran, causing so many people to lose
their loved ones and become displaced. Now, the Master is
very dismayed and bereaved for the countries affected in
this disaster like Sri Lanka, which is similar in size to
Taiwan but with many more living in poverty. She offers
four words to encourage all the people: "Discipline,
Mindfulness, Faith, and Earnestness", hoping that in
the New Year, everyone will make benevolent resolutions,
speak benevolent words, and conduct benevolent deeds. Her
wish is for the world to be peaceful and be free of disaster
and suffering.
The widespread devastation caused by the earthquake and
tsunamis have shown that we are indeed interconnected. Living
on this same planet, we are all inextricably linked and
share a common fate. So, let us reach out and make what
contribution we can.
Please help support our effort to embrace South Asia with
Great Love by making a donation. To give to Tzu Chi, kindly
write "Charity Fund" in the memo area and mail
your check your nearest Tzu Chi office. Our deepest gratitude!
Tzu Chi Foundation, U.S.A.
206 E. Palm Ave.,
Monrovia, CA 91016.
Tel: 626-305-1188; 909-447-7799
Taiwan Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
21, Kanglo Village, Shinchen,
Hualien County 971
Taiwan, R.O.C.
TEL: 886-3-826-6779
FAX: 886-3-826-7776
For other worldwide contact information, click here. (http://www.tzuchi.org/global/offices/index2.html)
