Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from China. 

On August 18, Gongshan County in Yunnan province was pummeled by a wave of mudslides in an already less privileged area. By August 25, the death toll had reached 38, with 54 people missing. Another 387 were rendered homeless as 102 houses collapsed and over 3,280 people were evacuated, while roads and a bridge were also destroyed.

Expressing her sorrow and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000 and asked that our Association members please go and check on the elderly, the orphaned and other vulnerable in need of help. Combined with our Association members’ contributions, the total US$18,177 could purchase approximately US$130,000 in urgent items obtained in the United States, based on the cost of living in China. Our Association’s Chinese relief team quickly went to the most affected regions. As per Supreme Master Ching Hai’s requests for updates, the following is their report.

September 7, 2010
Re: Relief work in Gongshan of Yunnan Province
Most beloved Master,
Our Association members in Yunnan Province were also very much concerned about the disaster situation, and upon receiving Master’s promptly- donated relief money and loving instructions, we immediately notified the local government that we were going to areas most in need for relief work. We urgently purchased relief goods including 600 quilts, clothes, 900 pair of shoes, 300 t-shirts, and 400 coats, in addition to 30 cartons of vegan noodles and 27 blankets donated by Association members for the most vulnerable victims.
The relief recipients were very grateful to Master and said that they didn’t expect such sincere love and concern from so far away as they also tearfully thanked us. The local leaders were also moved, and the director of local government personally drove during the night from far away just to meet our relief team and ask that we bring his deep appreciation and best wishes to Master. Touched to tears, he said repeatedly: “You treat us wholeheartedly with true love….! We saw the relief goods you gave us, which are most useful, most needed and in best quality! You truly put us in your hearts….!” Throughout the mission, we distributed SOS flyers to the local people on the plant-based lifestyle and eco-protection. We also met a Tibetan volunteer, who often provides environmental reports to the government and was very eager to receive more information. We are deeply thankful for Master’s far-reaching support that comforts so many.
With much love,
China Relief Team

VOICE: Our appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s permission to share these details, as well as to our Association’s Foreign Group for providing this report. We are grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s kindhearted assistance for the disaster-stricken people, as well as our Association’s relief team for their unconditional endeavors. With Heaven’s blessings, may the Chinese people be graced with a swift recovery of stable day-to-day lives as we turn to gentler ways to renew the balance of our ecosphere.