Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Chile.
On February 27, an unforgettably intense 8.8 magnitude earthquake shook southern Chile and also set off a coastal tsunami. The combination caused hundreds of people to lose their lives and left thousands more homeless.

Sending her condolences and sorrowful prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai had immediately donated US$20,000, asking that our local Association members please go to bring aid and comfort to those most in need.

This amount could obtain US$63,000 in materials if bought in the United States, based on Chile’s cost of living. Months after helping to deliver food and other emergency items to many severely hit areas, our Association’s Chilean relief team continued looking out for people who might need recovery assistance.

Thus, during the month of June, more than 50 quake-affected families in Santiago city who were still living in tents received non-perishable vegan food. The relief team also reached out to the Hogar de Cristo charity nursing home in Santa Cruz. This facility had been badly damaged in the quake and was now struggling to support its 60 elderly residents’ basic needs due to financial hardship.

Paulina Leiva Muñoz – Coordinator, Hogar de Cristo - 6th Region, Chile (F): Our house, unfortunately after the earthquake was turned into nothing.

VOICE: To help provide for some of the nursing home’s needs, our Association’s relief team brought supplies that included diapers, disinfectant, medicines, cotton, shampoo, and soap. The delighted residents also received personal gifts of cookies and Supreme Master Ching Hai’s #1 international bestseller, “The Dogs in My Life.”

Giovanna – Staff, Hogar de Cristo nursing home (F): Now we are very happy after receiving the huge donation and support for our elders. Needless to say, thank you to Supreme Master Ching Hai, very grateful.

Paulina Leiva Muñoz – Coordinator (F): Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai and to all members of the Association, for the extreme generosity that you’ve had with the goal of coming to aid the most in need.

VOICE: We join in gratefulness for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s unconditional care extended to the Chilean people, and for our Association relief team’s diligent assistance.
With our prayers for the soon recovery of productive lives for the earthquake-afflicted in Chile, may such traumatic events be eased through our better stewardship of the ecosphere.