Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from New Zealand.

On Tuesday, March 1, citizens across the nation joined in bowing their heads for two minutes in silence at 12:51 PM to mourn the lives lost when the 6.3 quake devastated Christchurch, New Zealand at exactly this time one week ago. As the confirmed death toll rose to at least 159 on March 2, the city center remained inaccessible, with rescuers continuing the search for many still missing as Prime Minister John Key said that one-third of the commercial buildings would need to be demolished in what could be a 15-year process to rebuild Christchurch. Immediately after the initial quake, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated NZ$27,000 for emergency needs. With tearful prayers and all her love, she requested that our Association members please go render whatever help was needed and to bring comfort to the afflicted. Covering their own travel and related expenses of NZ$5,000, our Association members from across New Zealand travelled to Christchurch.

(All in English)
Correspondent (M): This is Supreme Master TV reporting from Christchurch, New Zealand. We are here in the eastern suburb of New Brighton in a temporary supply facility where supplies are being brought in by helicopter from outside the city. The eastern suburbs where the area was particularly hit have had roads closed, and shops and markets have been shut down or destroyed. We are now supplying warm vegan food to people in this relief center and will continue to provide warm food and necessary supplies throughout the coming days.

Relief recipient (F): Thank you! You’re doing well, good job!

Correspondent (M): We’re here with Andy, who is doing some coordination for project. Andy, could you tell us a little bit about what’s happening here?

Andy (M): New Brighton area got hit particularly hard with the earthquake, and 95% of homes were knocked out of water and power. So, what we have set up is a center which organizes food distribution. And people can come in and get their needs met practically with the food items to look after their households. And then the second site is a care center café, which is dealing with immediate food, which is what we’re so grateful that you are offering, and you are able to allow us to… People can come down and just get over the trauma of the earthquake and what’s happened to their homes and the stress on their families, and have a hot meal.

VOICE: Many relief recipients expressed their appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s unconditional relief in serving hundreds of warm, healthy vegan meals each day. One person said she became vegetarian after reading about Supreme Master Ching Hai and learning of the many types of delicious vegan food available to enjoy. People have also been eager to understand how the vegan diet can halt climate change and prevent related disasters.

Relief recipient (M): Just vegetables, please, no meat.

Association member (M): Yep, okay, no meat! Here is no meat! This is vegan!

Andy (M): [To Supreme Master Ching Hai] And I just want to say we’re incredibly grateful, on behalf of the people of New Brighton, for the love that you are sharing with us through your very kind donations and the service of the incredible folk that you’ve brought working here.

Correspondent (M): You guys are doing an amazing job and however long we can support you, we’ll be here to provide food and other supplies. So, thank you very much for what you’re doing. (Andy (M): Thank you, thank you very much.)

Correspondent (M): This is Supreme Master TV reporting from Christchurch, New Zealand.

VOICE: We join in thankfulness for the efforts of Andy, fellow community volunteers and all other personnel tirelessly working to help the people of Christchurch as well as for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s heartfelt support and the diligent endeavors of our Association’s relief team. With our condolences for the loss of cherished lives, we pray that this beautiful city may quickly be restored to daily regularity as humanity’s increased care for all beings helps ensure the stability of the ecosphere.

Following disasters such as these, please use cell phones to text only; do not call unless really urgent to free up phone lines, so that victims who might be under the rubble or needing other emergency help have a chance to call. Every second counts. 

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/01/new.zealand.quake/index.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/8354311/New-Zealand-earthquake-Tremor-hits-Wellington-as-New-Zeland-marks-one-week-after-tragedy.html
http://english.cntv.cn/20110228/109935.shtml
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/4721084/Key-overhauls-spending-after-Christchurch-quake
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10709703