By Syria Relief Team (Originally in Arabic)
With heartfelt concern for the difficult situation of the Syrian people, Supreme Master Ching Hai instructed our nearby Association members to provide assistance and lovingly contributed US$2,830 for reimbursement of relief supplies purchased.
Our Syrian relief team first determined whom we could ask for help and where to go to render aid. We then purchased food from a merchant helping to support the Syrians in our area who had been displaced due to the civil war. Next we divided the items into 73 packages, each sufficient to support a family of four people for approximately one week.
We delivered 45 packages in two areas on February 5, 2013 and on February 7, delivered another 21. The remaining seven packages were delivered later. The situations of some of the families were extremely uncomfortable.
On February 13, we were able to deliver 30 blankets to one group of displaced individuals, and the remaining 85 blankets were delivered at the next opportunity. We also bought a total of 350 kilograms of chickpeas to add to the food packages. Chickpeas are considered an excellent source of protein and calcium.
In addition to food and supplies, approximately 1,000 small pine trees were also purchased and distributed to people to plant in their farms and gardens to support reforestation in the country. With Master’s funding, we also provided fuel for a family in need, as well as US$110 for a disadvantaged university student.
Many people we met during the relief effort have begun to turn to veganism after reading Supreme Master Ching Hai’s book From Crisis to Peace – The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer. In fact, two of our friends and their families all decided to become vegan in one night after reading the book.
Our sincerest prayers for all Syrians. May Heaven bless you with much comfort and a future filled with peace and happiness.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
for Winter Relief Aid for Displaced Syrians
Description | Amount (SYP) | Receipt |
---|---|---|
Food (rice, sunflower oil, macaroni, noodles, tomato paste, lentils, ground wheat, soymilk and chickpeas) | 127,000 | A |
Supplies (blankets and firewood) | 91,000 | |
Financial support for a university student in need | 10,000 | |
Approximately 1,000 small pine trees and transportation | 9,000 | |
Miscellaneous expenses (phone and internet fees) | 18,000 | |
Total | SYP 255,000 (US$2,830) |
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