Supreme Master Ching Hai International relief news from Massachusetts, USA.
As unprecedented deadly tornadoes struck in and around the city of Springfield, Massachusetts at the end of May, at least four people lost their lives with many others injured. About 1,400 structures were damaged, including 400 destroyed homes. As state Governor Deval Patrick initiated recovery efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened additional tornado recovery centers for affected victims o seek assistance.
Conveying her heartfelt sympathies and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$20,000 for urgent needs, asking our nearby Association members to please bring urgent supplies and comfort the most afflicted. Our Association’s relief team in Massachusetts consulted with the local Red Cross on specific needs, and thus were able to deliver kitchen and other supplies including items for babies to a main shelter serving 300 people with elderly and young children.
In addition, starting June 16, the Association member-run Loving Hut provided about thousands of free hot vegan meals and water for the next two weeks.
Many of the relief recipients were trying such tasty nourishing vegan food for the first time and kept returning for more, while also receiving informative SOS flyers about the veg solution to prevent climate change-related disasters. They expressed their appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving care.
With gratefulness to Governor Patrick, the Massachusetts and US governments, and all groups helping the tornado-afflicted, we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional support and our Association’s relief team for their diligent efforts. May such traumatic weather extremities subside as we turn to gentler, eco-friendlier ways of living.
|