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Samoa |
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God’s Love Comforts Pacific Islanders in
Need
By Australia Relief Team (Originally in English)
On September 29, 2009, the islands of Samoa, Tonga
and American Samoa suffered a devastating tsunami that destroyed
many homes and killed 136 people. Upon hearing of the disaster,
Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$20,000 to aid the victims.
Our Association members from Australia formed a relief team
and went to Upolu, the most populated and severely damaged Samoan
island, to bring material and spiritual comfort.
Despite aftershocks and another tsunami warning on
the day the team arrived, they were able to locate the Disaster
Management Office (DMO) and found that they had already arranged
for medical aid, shelter and food for those in need, and that
the Samoan people were recovering from the tsunami due to their
strong community support system and their deep faith in God.
From October 5 to 10, the team worked with DMO to distribute
packages containing building and gardening tools and food bowls.
To help the local people celebrate White Sunday, a national
holiday honoring children, they offered over 600 gift bags containing
things like flowers, cups, toys, biscuits and T- shirts as well
as SOS flyers to families and children who were orphaned or
hospitalized by the tsunami. In addition, the affected people
also received Master’s animal books and press kits, which
were greatly appreciated.
The Samoans’ love of God and family is evident
in all their actions. May these beautiful and spiritual people
be protected from further disasters.
Expenditures by Supreme Master
Ching Hai for
Tsunami Relief Work
in Samoa
|
Description |
Amount (WST) |
Receipt |
| Relief
supplies (tools, bowls, shovels, saws, hammers, nails, measuring tapes,
gloves, crow bars, etc.), food and water |
13,463 |
A |
| Gift
bags for children (toys, cereal, biscuits, juice, sweets, chips, peanuts, bowls, cups,
T-shirts, coloring books, crayons, etc.) |
33,631 |
B |
|
Total |
WST
47,094
(US$
20,067) |
|
*Throughout the relief operation,
the team members paid for their own transportation, food and
accommodation.
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.) |
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