Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Relief for Turkey and Syria…
On February 6, 2023, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.8, followed by numerous strong aftershocks, caused massive destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria. More than 43,000 lives were lost, while survivors face homelessness amidst freezing temperatures and snow.
Upon hearing of this devastating event, our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) immediately set aside US$50,000, “… with much sorrow and deep prayers for all affected. May God save their souls!”
On February 10, Master’s relief fund of US$25,000 was sent to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, whose teams are working to provide both essential supplies and medical aid in Syria. And another US$25,000 was sent to our Association members in Turkey for local relief efforts.
Meanwhile, seeing that earthquake survivors were initially living on the streets in the cold and snowfall, our Association members in Taiwan (Formosa) quickly ordered over 700 winter clothing items, including windproof coats, warm vests and trousers. These were delivered on February 11 to the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei, which had been designated to receive donations for the quake-affected people.
The following is an excerpt of our Association members’ report: “The Turkish Office in Taiwan is very grateful to Formosa due to the immense and continuous outpouring of loving materials from the public, and was even able to call an end to their collection of goods four days earlier than originally planned. Thus, thanks to God’s loving arrangement, the relief materials were successfully transported through Turkish customs to the most vulnerable in the earthquake-stricken areas, giving them warmth and blessings.”
With heartfelt gratitude to our most Caring Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her unconditional support and loving prayers, we also thank all those who are working tirelessly to assist the earthquake victims and send our sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones. May the Syrian and Turkish quake-affected people recover soon and resume their normal daily lives, in the Merciful Grace of Allah.
