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On
Victims of Typhoon Bilis arrive at the Family Helpers center to
receive relief funds contributed by The Supreme Master Ching Hai
International Association.
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[Hualien]
On August 22, Typhoon Bilis struck Formosa, causing
severe devastation in Yuli, along the eastern coast of the island. The
Hualien Center immediately responded to the Yuli Family Helpers' request
for assistance for needy households living in remote or mountainous
areas, where houses were completely or partially destroyed. The Family
Helpers assessed the damage done by the typhoon and the assistance required
by each household. The victims, helping each other and offering rides
to those without transportation, arrived at the Family Helpers headquarters
to receive relief funds contributed by The Supreme Master Ching Hai
International Association.
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Fellow practitioners visit typhoon victims on behalf of Supreme
Master Ching Hai.
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The
Yuli township office also referred us to other cases compiled by the
police and local officials. The borough chief accompanied us on our
visits to each affected household, concerned that some of the victims
might have relocated because their houses had been leveled. In a touching
example of warmth and love, one of the chiefs offered shelter to a mentally
handicapped man, providing him with room and board. Typhoon Bilis also
damaged the mountainside home of a couple in their seventies, who were
unable to work. The old man, who was physically disabled, and his wife,
who suffered from glaucoma, were comforted by their kindhearted neighbors,
who helped them repair their home. This reminded us of the brighter
side of life, where humans help and care for each other. We also visited
a lonely old woman who was extremely touched and grateful to see us.
When we left, she nodded to us with tears in her eyes. A widow raising
two handicapped sons all by herself had her house half-destroyed by
the typhoon. She too was very moved and thankful to see us. Again, many
of her neighbors helped her to rebuild and repair her home. In such
cases, we see clearly how human beings can help and care for each other
with a pure and simple mind.
On
this occasion, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
contributed NT$3,000 and a copy of the News magazine to all the affected
households, and of course, conveyed Master's intense love and concern
for them.