The icy winter temperatures of Peru’s southern Andes mountains are known to endanger lives, especially those of children. This year, the season’s freeze arrived three months early and by mid-winter, there were tens of thousands of children with acute respiratory infections. By mid-July at least 246 had succumbed to hypothermia, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases as temperatures dropped to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

On July 16, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000 for our local Association members to quickly buy and distribute warm clothing for the children. This amount could purchase US$84,000 in materials if obtained in the United States, based on Peru’s cost of living. Our Association’s native relief team went to the Andes, where they learned from local officials that the regions most in need of warm clothing were in remote areas at the higher, bitter cold altitudes above 4,100 meters. Our relief team was able to distribute thick winter apparel to some 1,900 children in 64 localities. Other relief recipients included expectant mothers, some with newborns due any day.

VOICE: We appreciate the help of the local Peruvian officials. Our gratefulness
also for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s ever-care and comfort to those most in need, and to our Association’s relief team for their diligent endeavors. May the Providence protect the children of Peru and speed their growth in health and cheer as we all strive for greater kindness toward each other and the environment.