A US$200,000 contribution from Supreme Master Ching Hai was presented by our Association member to Mr. Jerry Weintraub.

On June 6, Golden Year 4 (2007), the ninth annual CineVegas Film Festival opened in Las Vegas. It featured the premier of Steven Soderbergh's star-studded “Ocean's Thirteen.” Heralded as one of Hollywood's hottest movies with an all-star cast that included George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, the film's premiere also served as a charity event, which raised US$1 million in total. Proceeds went to benefit the aid group International Rescue Committee on behalf of Not On Our Watch, an organization founded by film producer Jerry Weintraub, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle.

Not on Our Watch was started with a pledge to provide aid for global humanitarian crises. Its first partnership was made with the well-established International Rescue Committee (IRC). Its mission is to help people in Darfur, Sudan. Sudan is a country that has undergone conflict, with many people having to flee their homes. Recently, positive steps have been made toward peace, and Sudan has accepted offers of peacekeeping help from the United Nations.

Individuals have also made remarkable contributions to help the people of Darfur, including George Clooney and his father Nick. Master awarded George Clooney ♥♥♥♥♥ (Please refer to News #168) for his loving efforts to raise the awareness of the world about the need and suffering of the Darfurians in Sudan. Similar sincere endeavors from around the world have also helped improve the lives of the Darfurians.

A letter of thanks from the IRC and Not On Our Watch.

To support the Darfur humanitarian aid efforts, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$200,000 to IRC/Not On Our Watch. The check was presented by our Association members to Jerry Weintraub, a film producer and co-founder of Not On Our Watch. Mr. Weintraub expressed his appreciation, saying the contribution is going to save many lives in Sudan.

Melissa Winkler of the International Rescue Committee said that US$200,000 goes a very long way in a place like Darfur where people are so desperately in need of things like medical assistance, educational support, shelters, clean water and sanitation. She said, “We are so grateful for everyone who is supporting these efforts, like Supreme Master Ching Hai. Their contributions will really make a difference and provide needed humanitarian aid for people in dire situations.”

Master Ching Hai loves and cares for all beings. Her material generosity is surpassed only by the blessing within the contribution, which brings comfort, and peace and hope to the needy souls in Sudan.

 

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