The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By Hamburg, Germany Relief Team (Originally in German)
As Europe faces record numbers of refugees, Master has compassionately requested that we assist the refugees during their time of need. Therefore, our Association members from Hamburg, Germany joined millions of Germans to welcome the newcomers and provide comfort and assistance to the refugees from September to November 2015.
On September 10, a team of our Hamburg Association members spent about EUR 2,500 of Master’s relief fund to purchase items such as jackets, undergarments, socks, stationery and toiletries. All were packed in cartons and delivered to the Exhibition Hall (Messehalle 6), where about 1,200 refugees were staying. One of our members also bought warm jackets and plenty of socks for a few refugees who mentioned they needed clothes to keep warm on the cold evenings. They were very grateful and smiled brightly upon receiving the gifts.
About a month later, due to an unprecedented influx of refugees, our Hamburg relief team contributed a total of EUR 2,300 and delivered more warm clothing, such as winter jackets, thermal undergarments, socks and tents, to the Exhibition Hall for the refugees.
In addition, as soon as we found out we could provide food for the refugees who were making a transit stop at the Hamburg Central Train Station, our Loving Hut Hamburg provided warm, vegan soup on a daily basis for about a month until mid-October. We started to serve vegan sandwiches and warm soup again after November 9, when about 500 refugees suddenly arrived at the train station late in the evening. The relief supervisor there wanted to ensure whether our food was Halal or vegetarian. He was relieved to hear that it was all vegan. On the first evening we prepared 100 sandwiches and a big pot of warm soup. The next morning we prepared about 170 sandwiches and soup for breakfast. The volunteers were very happy to receive our vegan food as well. To this day, our Loving Hut Hamburg continues to supply vegan soup to the refugees at the train station whenever there is a need.
Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Refugee Relief Work in Hamburg, Germany from September 10 to November 2015
| Description | Amount (EUR) | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Winter supplies (jackets, pullovers, sweatshirts, thermal undergarments, shoes, gloves, knit caps, socks and tents), toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving foam, body wash and shower gel, antibacterial hand cream, body lotion, shampoo, hair conditioner and deodorant) and stationery (pens, coloring pencils and writing pads) and food (warm vegan soup and sandwiches) | 5,000 | A |
| Total | EUR 5,000 (US$5,524) |
