Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Haiti. Ten weeks after the massive earthquake that ravaged the island nation, leaving more than 200,000 perished, aid is still needed for the some 1.3 million displaced survivors.
On March 22, former US Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton were greeted by President René Préval and the Haitian people as they arrived for a visit and reassured of continued international humanitarian and economic support.
Conveying her deep sympathy and prayers for the Haitians, Supreme Master Ching Hai since January has donated US$134,000 in emergency aid, asking that our Association members help address special needs such as medical and surgical care as well as pain medicines.
The combined total of US$554,000 that includes donations from our international Association members could obtain nearly US$20 million in relief supplies in the United States, based on Haiti’s cost of living.
These funds have enabled our Association’s relief team, with members who have been working in Haiti since soon after the disaster, to bring desperately needed tents and protective floor lining, as specified by Supreme Master Ching Hai out of her concern for the arriving rains. Supreme Master Television’s correspondent provides more details.
Haitian Correspondent (F): We’re right now in the convent, an orphanage, Maria Auxiliadora. We were here a few weeks ago to bring food to these people that are in real need.
Right now we came here to deliver some tents, because, this way, we have a building that seems to be okay. But from the inside, it’s totally damaged.
They can’t sleep inside. So everyone’s sleeping outside, the orphans and the people who stay here. They have a few tents, but it’s not enough for all the people that we have here. So right now, our relief team brought about 600 tents for them.
Orphanage caregiver (F): I am very grateful to Master Ching Hai for the gift she has given to us through the tents for the children.
VOICE: In addition to a series of tent shipments, since last week, the number of vegan meals cooked and distributed by our relief team has increased to up to 3,500 per day as more locations are visited beyond the hospital where the meals have been prepared for all patients and many family members.
In particular, the team discovered more orphanage centers with hungry children, and have begun to bring food regularly there.
Haitian Correspondent (F): We just arrived to another school near the Adventist hospital that we discovered today. Immediately, the relief team came to bring food to these kids.
We’re now giving them the little lunch boxes,so they can keep them, and whenever we come, they have ready these lunch boxes, so it’s easier to give out the food. This way, we can give out the food warmer, as it should be.
Orphanage caregiver (F): We are all affected by the earthquake, and these children were very hungry, they were thirsty. Master Ching Hai has thought of us, of the Haitians, and especially the children.
Orphans (M,F): Thank you Master Ching Hai for the food!
Haitian Correspondent (F): Reporting for Supreme Master Television from a school near the Adventist hospital, from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
VOICE: We thank the world’s governments, aid groups and all others for their steadfast efforts to help the quake-affected. Our gratefulness also goes to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving assistance, and to our diligent Association’s relief team.
May Heaven protect the orphans and people of Haiti, as we pray that, through our benevolent actions, our planet soon becomes a safer place for all.
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