Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Haiti.  
It is now nearly three months after the devastating earthquake that crumbled the capital city and claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people.

At a donor conference on March 31, the United Nations welcomed pledges from the international community, with aid groups noting that the 1.3 million displaced people are still in need of basic relief, especially in being exposed to rains and increasing sanitation and health problems.

With her deep sympathies and concern for the Haitian people, Supreme Master Ching Hai has donated US$134,000 in direct assistance, some of which she asked to be directed to specific needs such as effective pain medication and desperately needed tents.

With continually added donations by our international Association members, total contributions have reached US$571,000, an amount that could purchase US$20.4 million in items in the United States, based on Haiti’s cost of living.

The Haitian earthquake victims have been receiving help from our Association’s relief team in multiple ways: through medical and surgical care at the Adventiste Hospital near Port-au-Prince, in provision of tents to those most need; and through the daily delivery of up to 4,000 vegan meals.

More recently, a second, 9-tonne shipment of tents, tarps, and children’s clothes arrived along with rolls of poly sheets to ensure dry tent floors, another item that had been requested by Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Throughout their relief efforts, our Association members have often been touched by the graciousness of the Haitian people.

Cooking team member (F): There is one thing that touches our hearts so much. The kids. They know how to share. There was another kid. He got a small package. He asked me whether I wanted it.
He would give it to me if I wanted. He is an orphan.  His father and mother were both gone.

VOICE: The humanitarian work involving cooperation between the relief team and the dedicated Haitian volunteers has also led to a deeply felt solidarity and friendship.

Our Association relief team member, medical doctor (F): We work with translators, and a lot of these young men and women have lost members of their family. A lot of them have lost their homes; they have absolutely nothing.

But they come willingly to work voluntarily with no merit or gain on their part, simply because they want to work with us to benefit their people.

And I think they are amazing, they are wonderful people. It’s a great joy to work with them.

Haitian translator reading letter to Supreme Master Ching Hai (M):

VOICE: We thank the governments, groups and humanitarians who continue to strive on behalf of the quake-stricken people. Our gratefulness as well to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving care, and to our Association’s relief team for their dedication. May the Providence protect the gentle Haitians as we pray that such tragedies subside as humanity cares more kindly for the environment.