Relief news update from Benin - 13 Sep 2009  
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Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Benin.
Devastating floods throughout the past summer had uprooted 11,000 residents and damaged or destroyed 2,000 homes and other buildings. The ongoing inundations prompted a state of emergency to be declared by the Benin government.

On July 12, Supreme Master Ching Hai conveyed her heartfelt condolences and prayers and offered a US$10,000 donation for meeting the immediate needs of the flood affected.

This amount could purchase US$427,000 in relief supplies if acquired in the United States based on the general cost of living in Benin.

Covering their own travel and related expenses, our Association’s relief team in Benin traveled to some of the most afflicted areas, where floodwaters still surrounded homes.

They delivered to 2,000 families in need packages of 10 kg each of rice and maize, vegetable oil and salt. The villagers, who also eagerly responded to the SOS flyers that were also given, were touched with joyful smiles to receive Supreme Master Ching Hai’s aid.

Relief recipient: We thank Supreme Master for helping us and our family to overcome this situation.
Relief recipient: All the victims are very grateful and they appreciate very well your loving concern.

VOICE: We join in thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving concern and assistance that has eased the burden of thousands of people. We also appreciate the diligent efforts of our Association’s local relief team. As we pray for the steady and full recovery of flood victims in Benin, and elsewhere in the world, may gentler lifestyles help mitigate such disasters and restore the balance of our planet.