In February 2009, a series of bushfires that lasted for many weeks raged through the state of Victoria in Australia, tragically taking about two hundred lives, destroying thousands of homes and structures, and almost wiping out many towns in north and east Victoria. It is estimated that two million animals have lost their lives, which included domestic as well as those from the unique Australian wildlife in the affected areas. It was the third time the state had experienced such large-scale fire destruction in the last ten years.

Concerned about the dire situation, our compassionate Master generously contributed US$30,000, which was used to purchase much-needed power generators, tools and other urgent supplies. A big post hole digger was provided to help the community to rebuild their fences to keep their animals safe. Our Melbourne relief team delivered the first five generators to Whittlesea on February 10, which were immediately transferred onto a bush relief vehicle, to go directly to where they were needed. A further eight generators were delivered several days later. The team also lovingly sent some vegan dog and cat food, leads and bowls to the fire-affected areas and the Lort Smith Animal Hospital, which had put out a request on the radio for these items. The Lort Smith Hospital attends to animals requiring surgery and helped many animals who had been caught up in the fires.

Two weeks later, Master contributed another US$20,000, which came in time to assist various animal shelters that were in desperate need of medicines for severe burns, other dressings and veterinary requirements for the overwhelming number of wounded animals. The initiates visited numerous wildlife shelters and organizations to offer Master’s love and financial assistance. Many volunteers, totally involved in the job of rescuing, rehabilitating and nursing, spent countless hours a day attending to the injured animals. A local veterinarian practice in Whittlesea had a triage set up to cope with the volume of animals affected by the fires. The veterinarian and his colleague decided not to charge anyone for their services as they felt people had lost so much, and sometimes all they had left was their family and animals. The dedication these people had shown in treating animals in distress was overwhelming and their appreciation for Master’s help was humbling.

The citizens of Australia demonstrated outstanding community spirit at this time. They came together to do whatever was required to help both people and animals. A radio channel was dedicated to provide updates on the fire situation and stories around the clock. Many people acknowledged how proud they were to be Australians.

Though most of the fires were started by falling or crashing power lines, it was implied that years of drought and a 50-year warming trend in Australia as a result of climate change were the root cause of this disaster. May people in Australia as well as around the world quickly realize the importance and the urgency of adopting a vegan lifestyle to stop global warming. Thank You, Master, for Your love and benevolence that is always so generously extended to people in time of need.

Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
for the Wildfire Relief Work in Victoria, Australia

Description	Amount (AUD)	Receipt
Generators	17,990	A1
Cash contribution to Maryknoll Wildlife Shelter	2,000	A2
Cash contribution to Monbulk Kalista Wildlife Shelter	2,000	A3
Cash contribution to Eden Park Wildlife Care	2,000	A4
Cash contribution to The Vet Practice - Whittlesea	10,000	A5
Cash contribution to The Haven - Yea	2,000	A6
Cash contribution to Nigel’s Animal Rescue Service	2,000	A7
Cash contribution to the Wilderness Society	3,000	A8
Cash contribution to Wildlife Victoria	2,000	A9
Cash contribution to Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter	5,000	A10
Cash contribution to Help for Wildlife (a national Australian organization)	5,000	A11
Cash contribution to Jirrahlinga Sanctuary	2,000	A12
Gifts for dogs and cats at Lort Smith Animal Hospital (bowls, leashes, vegan dog/cat food, etc.)	853	A13
Miscellaneous supplies and tools	5,889	A14
Total	AUD 61,732 (US$ 40,568)

* Throughout the relief operation, fellow initiates paid for their own transportation, food and accommodation expenses.

<<	Contents	>>
Refer this page to friends

 

To view the Humanitarian Relief Activities by the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association, please visit :http://www.GodsDirectContact.org.tw/humanitarian (The list can be sorted by year, country/region and type of events.)