Love In Action

Master is always deeply concerned when disasters occur in any part of the world. Upon hearing news of such events, She immediately provides financial assistance and sends relief teams. Through such efforts, Her unconditional love and support are conveyed to those affected, thus reducing their suffering while helping them to rebuild their lives.

In recognition of the selfless actions of governments, organizations and relief workers around the globe, Master expresses Her gratitude as follows: "Thank you, all the international help that brings care and necessities to afflicted victims. Thank you all the relief workers for taking time and forsaking your own comfort, even traveling great distance on unfavorable roads and conditions to bring love and assistance to people in a time of need. May Heaven bless you abundantly for your generosity and noble sacrifice."

2024年12月21日, 週六

    Extending Care to Our Injured Animal Friends After Fire in Valparaíso, Chile

     By Santiago, Chile Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)

    On March 13, 2015, a forest fire broke out in the beautiful seaport city of Valparaíso, Chile, destroying more than 500 hectares. Approximately 4,500 people were evacuated from the area, 32 were injured, including 19 firefighters, and one woman lost her life.

    After hearing news of the fire, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked our local Association members to help those in need and offered funds for reimbursement.

    We quickly assessed the situation and found that the government had already addressed the needs of the people affected. Also, we were relieved to learn that, compared to previous fires, far fewer of our animal friends had been injured so fewer were hospitalized.

    With CLP 206,995 (US$325) of funds from Master remaining from previous Chilean relief work, and CLP 127,491 (US$ 200) contributed by our Santiago Center Association members, we purchased relief supplies for the animals.

    Then, on March 15, we delivered the provisions to the Santo Tomás Veterinary Hospital. The items included gauze dressing, burn patches, antibiotic eye drops, general antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicine, pain- and fever-reducing medicine, and other medical supplies, as well as puppy, dog and cat food and cat litter. We also delivered medical supplies and dog and cat food to Dr. Paola Carmona, a veterinarian who was caring for the injured animal friends of Valparaíso free of charge. In addition, we provided a 15-kilogram bag of dog food for a mother dog called “Black” who had heroically hidden her nine puppies a meter deep in the ground to protect them from harm during the fire.   

    Later in the week, we returned to deliver relief supplies to families that had offered their homes as temporary shelters for the animal companions of people affected by the fire. The items included bags of food and medications for the animal friends.

    Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Fire Relief Work in Valparaíso, Chile
    Description Amount (CLP) Receipt
    Veterinary aid 25,000 A
    Food for our animal friends 242,554 B
    Medications for our animal friends 66,932 C
    Total CLP 334,486
    (US$525)

    Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation and food.