Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Guatemala.
Struck by the worst drought in three decades, the country saw failure of primary crops and the worsening of an already grave food situation. As of the end of September 2009, more than 54,000 less fortunate families in the east and northeastern regions were suffering from hunger, while another 400,000 were at risk.

Of these, over 40% were children under the age of 6, many of whom were malnourished and had contracted diseases such as pneumonia.Upon hearing of this perilous situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately donated US$140,000 in urgent aid, an amount that could obtain US$1,255,000 in supplies if purchased in the United States, based on Guatemala’s cost of living.

On November 17, our Association members from Costa Rica attended a donation ceremony organized by the government of Guatemala and the Formosan (Taiwanese) Embassy. There, they presented a symbolic check to Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Estuardo Roldán. Also in attendance were 40 distinguished guests, including government officials from Guatemala and Formosa (Taiwan).

During the event, guests also watched the videos “Walk the Way of Love” and “The Facts,” which highlighted the importance of the balanced vegan diet to alleviate the threat of global warming. The dignitaries present expressed their interest in this information on climate change.

Gloria Pensavene de Troche, Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Ministry (F): We also are grateful for the donation [Supreme Master Ching Hai] has made to Guatemala as we have problems due to climate change, and it will truly be very useful for the individuals who are experiencing this problem.
Thank you.

Ta-Chen Sun, Formosan Ambassador to Guatemala (M):  On behalf of the Embassy of Guatemala I give a special thanks to Supreme Master Ching Hai. In addition, I’d like to take this opportunity to ask all viewers, please be aware of the issue of global warming and the climate crisis.

VOICE: Our appreciation to the Guatemalan government and Formosan Embassy for making this meeting possible and for sharing concern about the urgent state of our planet. We join in thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for her thoughtful care and aid to the vulnerable. May God protect the Guatemalan people as we strive to restore our planetary stability through our kinder, eco-conscious lifestyles.