In Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Relief News from the United States…
In early August 2023, wildfires broke out in the U.S. state of Hawaii, centered on the island of Maui. The wind-swept flames prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and at least 115 Hawaiian residents to lose their lives, with up to 1,000 more left missing or unaccounted for.
On August 11, 2023, upon hearing the news of this tragic devastation and loss, our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) offered a humble contribution of US$25,000, “to help the most in need. With all my sorrowful prayers and Love, in God’s Mercy.”
Our Association members from the island of Oahu, Hawaii, swiftly organized a relief effort, contacting shelters and distribution centers in Maui to assess which items were needed most urgently by the fire-affected victims, and then purchased the needed supplies such as personal care products, laundry detergent, lanterns, towels, flashlights, non-perishable vegan food, coolers, portable stoves, diapers, baby wipes, and items for animal-people such as vegan food, elevated cooling cot beds, cages and toys and had them shipped to the island of Maui.
On August 19th, the Oahu relief team flew to Maui, where they rented two vans and a truck to transport the shipped supplies, along with fresh fruit, water, and ice, to affected victims in Lahaina, where the wildfires had caused widespread destruction of both homes and businesses. The team members brought the much-needed items to the distribution hubs around Lahaina, to be given out to those most urgently in need, along with Alternative Living and Supreme Master Television pamphlets. They also visited the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation where they distributed relief supplies for both human and animal-people victims, together with Alternative Living flyers and Supreme Master Television information cards, all of which were received happily.
The following week, members of our Association from Honolulu, California, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, and Texas assembled in Maui and formed a cooking team to provide warm, lovingly prepared vegan meals to those impacted by the fire, relief workers, and more. In one week, this Hawaii relief team assembled and distributed nearly 1,200 lunch and dinner boxes, each containing items such as homemade sandwiches, vegan burgers, or spaghetti, along with fresh fruit, vegan cookies, freshly made juice, bottled water, and Supreme Master Television information cards.
From August 24th to August 26th, our Association members transported the freshly cooked meals by truck throughout Lahaina and other areas of Maui and distributed them with Master’s Love to wildfire-affected residents, police officers, members of the Hawaii National Guard, and relief worker volunteers, all of whom were thankful for this loving gesture and support. “Thank you so much. It’s been so helpful. All the food and the support in Maui, we appreciate it so much. Thank you, thank you.”
On August 27th, this Hawaii relief team drove to a monastery in Kahului, where they met a Buddhist nun who was affected by the fire. “I would like to thank Master and wish You all the best and be always in safe and perfect condition on the path of spreading the Dharma. Amitabha Buddha.”
From August 28th to August 30th, our Association’s cooking team traveled to volunteer distribution centers in Lahaina’s Honokowai Beach Park, and central Maui’s Kula Marketplace, where they prepared 200+ vegan meals per day and collaborated with local volunteers to distribute the lunch and dinner boxes to those impacted by the wildfires, together with Master’s book “Love Is The Only Solution.”
One affected resident was moved to tears after she received Master’s loving support. Other recipients and fellow volunteers expressed their appreciation through heartfelt notes sent later via text. Our Association members also made sure to provide warm vegan meals and copies of “Love Is The Only Solution” to police officers and military personnel guarding nearby fire-impacted areas, as well as to other volunteers who were working diligently on behalf of their neighbors and co-citizens.
Our deepest gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai for sending Her valuable support and prayers for the wildfire-affected residents of Maui. We respectfully thank all involved in the relief activities, including officials, volunteers, and our Association members from Hawaii and other parts of the United States for their unified efforts in bringing help and care to the citizens in need. We extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to those who lost their loved ones. May God’s Love and Blessings bring comfort to affected residents of Maui island in Hawaii, helping them rebuild homes and businesses and resume life in peace and goodness, under Heaven’ protection.
