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The Tzu Chi relief team conducted the second distribution
of relief goods in Hambantota to 1,635 families (about
6,000 recipients) on Jan. 30, 2005. The distribution
was held on a vacant lot designated for temporary tents,
near the Tzu Chi free clinic and facing a Buddhist temple.
The difference between today's distribution and yesterday's
was that, besides Tzu Chi and local volunteers, doctors
and nurses of the medical team also put aside their
work and participated, helping to carry rice bags, provide
care and perform sign language songs. They consoled
victims with practical action.
At 8 a.m., Tzu Chi members and local volunteers arrived
at the distribution location to divide into groups and
rehearse. The distribution ceremony was held at 8:50
a.m. After Brother Gary Ho (CEO of the Tzu Chi Canada
Chapter) read Master Cheng Yen's letter, Dr. Lin Chin-lon
(president of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital and head of Tzu
Chi's fifth medical team) addressed the gathering and
reported on what Tzu Chi had done in Sri Lanka over
the past one month.
Dr. Lin also used the opportunity to thank the local
volunteers, government units and local residents for
their mutual trust and cooperation so that Tzu Chi's
many plans could be carried out smoothly. He especially
expressed his sincere thanks to Mr. Anil de Silva and
other staff members of his company, Leader Day, for
their absolute support given to Tzu Chi. Because of
their support, the Tzu Chi volunteers were able to devote
themselves completely to the relief mission in Sri Lanka
without additional worries.
Other speakers at the ceremony included the township
chief's representative, a dharma master and a representative
of the beneficiaries. A sign language performance of
the song "Three No's" (signifying that there
is no one in the world that we should not love, forgive
and trust) was given on the occasion. Tzu Chi volunteers
also asked the residents to join them in blessing their
homeland with the song "Prayer."
Formal distribution started at 9:30 a.m. and it ended
successfully by 1:00 p.m. The day's distribution work,
including the general operation and work flow, was more
difficult than before. This was due to a lack of household
information because the government unit was unable to
provide an accurate name list and due to a limited space
for distribution. Thus, we had to distribute the goods
at two different sites.
During the distribution process, one could witness
the circulation of good deeds. One elderly recipient
kissed the hand of a volunteer and said, "Gohoma
Studi, Gohoma Studi" (thank you, thank you). It
caused a sudden warm current to flow into the volunteer's
heart.
The day's distribution marked a successful completion
of the first round of relief goods distribution. Tzu
Chi volunteers are grateful for the cooperation of numerous
units. In February, large-scale distributions will be
held in four areas -- Hambantota, Ambalantota, Tangalla
and Tissamaharama. The relay of Tzu Chi's love will
go on.
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