By Benin Relief Team (Originally in English)
In April 2019, the Djougou and Copargo regions of northern Benin were hit by devastating tornadoes that damaged several schools and homes, affecting thousands of people, some of whom were left homeless. In the wake of the disaster, the mayor of Copargo and authorities from the municipality of Djougou appealed to compassionate citizens to help the victims.
Deeply concerned about those affected, Supreme Master Ching Hai offered US$20,000 in assistance to help meet their immediate needs. Our Association members from Cotonou Center, Benin, contributed an additional US$2,013.37 to the fund, and formed a relief team to bring emergency supplies and spiritual comfort to the affected people.
On May 24, 2019, our relief team traveled for more than 11 hours across northern Benin to convey Master’s Love, prayers, and condolences. Working with the Mayor of Copargo as well as a representative of the Mayor of Djougou and local authorities, the team distributed much-needed rice, beans, vegetable oil, salt, and tomato paste to the affected people, who expressed their sincere thanks to our Beloved Master. The people also received copies of our Alternative Living flyers, sample booklets, and a brief introduction to the vegan diet, for which they showed great interest.
The victims, the Mayor of Copargo, and the Mayor of Djougou’s representative expressed their deepest appreciation to our Beloved Master for Her loving concern, saying, “It’s a gift from Heaven, blessings of the Divine.”
Those affected were all even more than grateful to Master, and letters of gratitude to Master were sent by the Mayor of Copargo and the Mayor of Djougou’s representative.
Our relief team members are deeply grateful to Master for giving us the opportunity to do this noble work. May God bless Benin with a quick recovery from the tornadoes.
Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Tornadoes Relief Work in Djougou and Copargo, Benin
Description | Amount (FCFA) | Receipt |
Rice, vegetable oil, tomatoes, salt, beans |
10,592,000 |
A |
Total | FCFA 10,592,000 (US$22,013.37) |
Throughout the relief work, the team members paid around US$ 600, 00 for their own transportation, food and accommodations.