In response to the ongoing conflict and urgent humanitarian situation in Ukraine, on March 4, 2022, Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly contributed US$100,000 through Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help the vulnerable people of Ukraine. Master also conveyed the following message: “We donated to Ukraine for essentials, hope others would do so as well.”
In humble support of the noble Ukrainians, our Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association members from Taiwan (Formosa) launched a “Send Love to Ukraine!” campaign to collect donations at a local Loving Hut vegan shop in early March. With contributions from our Association members, including from overseas, as well as the local Taiwanese (Formosan) community, relief supplies worth US$71,000 were gathered, comprised of non-perishable food items, new warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene products. The four truckloads of goods were then delivered to a collection point as part of a donation drive conducted by Taiwanese (Formosan) government.
Meanwhile, closer to Ukraine, our Association members from Hungary have been working on various relief efforts, with several housing Ukrainian refugees in their homes. Hundreds of vegan sandwiches were freshly prepared and delivered to different train stations, along with vegan snacks and drinks, face masks, and basic necessities for refugees and their animal-person companions.
At the airport, where exhausted refugees sometimes had to wait long periods, our Association members helped to fill the need for camping beds at the airport chapel and also brought hearty vegan sandwiches, a large hot water dispenser, plus new clothes and shoes for displaced children. All the items were happily received, especially the vegan sandwiches as many had begun observing the Lent religious fasting season even during their ordeal.
We are profoundly grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s inspiring example of compassion and love toward those in need, and thank our Association members and all involved groups and individuals for your diligent efforts. May God shield the gentle-spirited Ukrainian people as we pray hard for peace in their homeland.
