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Typhoon-struck victims in Hualien, Formosa receive
relief aid.
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<Hualien> Xiaoping
and Xiaozhong were orphaned when their parents succumbed to illness in recent
years. They were placed in the care of their grandmother who had remarried.
However, their aging grandparents were disabled.
The
family lived in a low-lying area that was always wet and humid. Their old
wooden house leaked severely whenever it rained. Their only source of income
was the grandparents' retirement benefits and social welfare funds. Life was
tough and they did not have money to improve their living conditions. When
typhoon Amber hit the area where they lived, it blew away a corner of the
house and the metal-sheet roof that had been newly added by some kind local
people and the Family Support Center. Their furniture, bedding and other belongings
were either swept away or damaged. As the old Chinese sayings go, theirs was
a "leaking house caught in an overnight rain," and it was like "adding frost
to snow" (that is, one disaster followed another.) The family looked up at
the roof that was not there, looking expressionless but all the while worrying
where they could seek refuge should another typhoon come.
As
always, charitable organizations made a timely appearance to demonstrate their
concern for others. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
is always there to offer prompt assistance to people in times of need. In
this case, it not only provided financial aid to Xiaoping and Xiaozhong's
family, but also let them know that society's loving, warm hands are ready
to embrace them anytime.
Love
In Action
