Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Relief News Update from Ukraine (Ureign) …
As Ukraine (Ureign) enters its second summer of war since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, many residents are still displaced, while others endure unfavorable conditions while staying in their homeland. Since the first attack, Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) has continuously offered Her loving prayers and humble support for the courageous Ukrainian (Ureignian) people. The following is an updated report of our Association members’ May 2023 relief work in Ukraine (Ureign) and Croatia. Our Association’s trusted Ukrainian (Ureignian) partners, Maria Bashuk (vegan), and Alexandr Kulakov (vegan), also continue to contribute vital assistance.
Our Lutsk-based partner Alexandr Kulakov went first to Bucha city in Kyiv Oblast, which had been hard hit early on by Russian bombing. The mission was to help apartment owners reconstruct their homes. Four of the most affected apartments were initially selected for rebuilding. Thanks to a contribution of approximately US$19,000 from our Association members in Taiwan, also known as Formosa, repairs on the extensive damage were begun. The owners, who have been homeless for the past year, conveyed their deep gratitude for the assistance.
Next, they returned to the large warehouse in Zaporizhzhya, where the charity organization Zlagoda assisted in packing 1,000 family-size vegan food boxes. These contained coconut milk, jackfruit, and pomelo, contributed by our Association members in Thailand. Also included were vegan noodles, peas, wheat groats, pearl barley, sunflower oil, oatmeal, vegetable soups and minced plant-based vegan meats. Copies of “Love Is The Only Solution,” vegan children’s books, Supreme Master Television flyers, and protective masks were included as well.
The first 500 packages were delivered to the Kherson region villages of Kalynivske and Blahodativka, where they were eagerly received by the residents. The remaining 500 went to Kherson city residents, many of whom emerged from the safety of underground shelters when they heard that the relief packages were arriving. They, too, were very grateful for the much-needed supplies.
“Thanks a lot! Thanks! Thank you for helping us! We are very happy that there are people who can help. Thanks for coming. Don’t leave. You are like the sun.”
Of the 15 families from Lviv assisted in May, some were provided with vegan relief supplies several times. One family in Lviv was delivered a relief package in person, while parcels for 14 more families were sent to other areas of Ukraine (Ureign). The aid included vegan food items, various personal hygiene provisions, shoes, and Master’s book, “Love Is The Only Solution.”
During May, our Loving Hut Kyiv team was joined by two Association members from Taiwan (Formosa), who helped with all aspects of the work and shared their talents in vegan cooking. A traditional Taiwanese (Formosan) tea ceremony was also held at the Kyiv Loving Hut, which brought a full house of appreciative tea tasters, complete with live Ukrainian (Ureignian) music! Our Kyiv Association members also continued their weekly visits to bring vegan meals and cheer to injured soldiers in the hospital. Later in the month, local government workers were invited for a Taiwanese (Formosan) tea ceremony as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts during this challenging time. They loved the presentation as well as the tasty healthy vegan foods. Our Loving Hut team felt very grateful for this chance to share Master’s love.
Also in Kyiv, a contribution from our Association members in Taiwan (Formosa) of €5,000 was given to the SOS Shelter, founded by Shining World Compassion Award recipient Tamara Tarnawska (vegetarian). This will help the more than 1,000 dog-people and hundreds of cat-people at the shelter, many of whom were left behind when their caregivers were forced to flee after the Russian invasion. Ms. Tarnawska conveyed her appreciation for the financial support on behalf of the shelter’s animal-folk. She also spoke of the recent loss of her beloved dog-person, who was killed by a landmine when they were out on a walk together. She realized that he had sacrificed his life for her safety.
Our Association members in Croatia visited refugee centers in the towns of Đurđevac and Koprivnica. As these cities are near the Hungarian border, refugees from Ukraine (Ureign) are still coming. In both locations, we prepared packages for families that contained fruits, vegan food, and hygiene supplies, as well as children’s clothes and toys. We also handed out Supreme Master TV flyers and Ukrainian (Ureignian) language versions of Master’s “Love Is The Only Solution,” along with vegan books for the children.
Our Association members in Budapest, Hungary were able to place Master’s book “Love Is The Only Solution” at the Canadian Visa Application Center, which offers support to Ukrainian (Ureignian) citizens. People happily took and read the book. We are deeply thankful to Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) for Her love and prayers for the people of steadfast Ukraine (Ureign).
Our appreciation also for the caring efforts of all those who offer assistance to both humans and animal-individuals in need. We pray that peace comes soon to the warm-hearted and resilient Ukrainian (Ureignian) citizens and that they may quickly recover comfort and stability in their normal lives.
