Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news from Brazil. Torrential rains at the beginning of August caused extreme flooding that forced over 111,000 evacuations in Rio Grande do Sul state. Nearly 3,000 people were made homeless and thousands of buildings damaged, with the cities of Sao Sebastiao do Cai and Montenegro most affected.
Sending all her love and sorrowful prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000 and asked our Association members to please render assistance and comfort to the most vulnerable.
This amount could acquire US$65,000 in goods if purchased in the United States, based on Brazil’s cost of living. Covering their own travel expenses of about US$2,100, our Association members from Brazil and arriving team members from Paraguay spoke with the mayor of Sao Sebastiao do Caito about going to the most affected areas.
The relief team then prepared 400 food packages containing rice, beans, soy protein, soy milk, guava jam, and other items, which they distributed in shelters as well as to families' homes.
They next traveled to Montenegro, where civil defense personnel and a social worker helped them deliver another 300 emergency food packages. Traveling on to the state of São Paulo, the relief team brought aid to the municipality of Eldorado, which had also been hard-hit by the rains.
Over 240 food packages were delivered to families, many of whom had lost not only their homes but their farming livelihoods.
SOS flyers were also distributed to help inform the residents about the veg solution to climate change and disasters, with candies bringing smiles to the children’s faces.
The aid recipients expressed their gratitude for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving care. With our appreciation for the help of the many government officials and personnel, we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional assistance, and our Association’s relief team for their efficient work.
May Heaven protect the flood-affected Brazilian people as our greater care for fellow Earthly inhabitants helps such calamities to subside.
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