Timely Support for Those Most in Need

In the early morning of February 27, 2010, Chile was rocked by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake, one of the most devastating in the world. Accompanied by a tsunami, the quake and a series of aftershocks, which were felt strongly in six Chilean regions, toppled buildings and freeways, took hundreds of lives, and rendered thousands homeless. It was estimated that about 2 million people were affected, as was announced by the nation’s president.

To help those most in need, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately provided US$20,000 in funds, which were used by our Association members to carry out the relief work in places like San Antonio, Llolleo, Navidad, Cuncumen, Constitucion, Peumo and Las Cabras. Mr. Lorenzo Torres Medina, the Mayor of Paihuano, wrote a letter to Master on behalf of Region IV, Paihuano Illustrious Municipality, saying, “Thanks to your generous contribution of $497,000 (in Pesos), we arranged a shipment of more than four tons of food and basic necessities, as well as sent a mobile dental clinic to two counties seriously affected by the earthquake.” He also thanked Master for Her great compassion and generosity on a previous occasion, when She sent aid for victims of the flood and earthquake which hit their region in 1997.

In the little town of Santa Cruz, Father Alberto Hurtado founded a non-profit organization called Hogar de Cristo in 1944. This nursing home that used to house more than 50 senior citizens collapsed due to the earthquake. Fortunately, its patients were safely relocated. Our Association members delivered much-needed daily supplies, such as shampoo, soap, diapers, medicines, along with cookies and Master’s books to those elderly folks, who accepted them with gratefulness and joy. The Executive Director of the Region VI Hogar de Cristo, Ms. Paulina Leiva Munoz, expressed her sincere thanks in a letter, “…it is so hard for me to find the right words to thank you for your generous contribution. The health supplies you gave us will ease the lack of resources we have. This means that your help went directly to the neediest people, the poorest among the poorest. Dear Master Ching Hai, I thank God for people like you. ”


Thank you letter from Ms. Paulina Leiva Muňoz, Executive Director of the Region VI Hogar de Cristo	Thank you letter from Mr. Lorenzo Torres Medina, Mayor of Paihuano Ilustrious Municipality

A report by El Leader Newspaper on Sunday March 7, entitled “The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Brought Help” covered the relief work. It also mentioned that our Association members are vegetarian and protect the environment. The relief team is very thankful to Master for Her financial assistance, and especially for all the blessings and love sent to this country. May the Chilean people soon change to a more compassionate lifestyle to live in peace and harmony with nature.

Relief work coverage by EL Leader Newspaper

Description	Amount (CLP)	Receipts
Food (beans, lentils, chickpeas, cereal, cocoa, and dog food) and supplies (bags, clothes, blankets, mobile clinic supplies, etc.)	7,654,001	A
Gifts for elderly people	2,020,000	B
Miscellaneous expenses (truck rental, packing and loading relief supplies, etc.)	697,000	C
Total	CLP10,371,001 (US$19,892)

*Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation, food and accommodation.