Dharma Drum Mountain and the Red Cross Society Work Together to Offer Humanitarian Relief to the Affected Areas in Turkey – DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation Donates Basic Necessities and 3 Million Dollars

In an effort to rescue the earthquake victims in Turkey and on the Turkey-Syrian border, DDM and the Red Cross Society have been working together since February 6 to assist disaster-stricken areas. DDM donated 3 million dollars and has, in addition, purchased blankets, sanitary supplies, and basic necessities to be flown to the affected areas. The Abbot President Ven. Guo Huei stated that, "the mundane world is impermanent, and our nations are dangerously fragile. I would like to dedicate the compassion and merits of sentient beings everywhere to the victims, in the hopes of bringing peace to the earthquake-stricken regions in Turkey."
 
The Abbot President pointed out that the DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation has initiated relief donations, in addition to preparing urgent necessities for the victims. All DDM retreat centers and monasteries around the world are setting up memorial tablets to eradicate evil and offer blessings. Meanwhile, the monastics are dedicating the merits of their daily practices to pray for the cessation of this major earthquake, in the hopes that that the international relief efforts could proceed smoothly while the casualties be kept to a minimum.
 
The Abbot President also quoted Master Sheng Yen in stating, "Calamities are connected to each and every one of us; therefore, we all have a responsibility to show consideration for the disaster-hit regions." Therefore, with an impartial mind filled with unconditional kindness and universal compassion, let us stand together in unity with the disaster victims in prayer, in the hopes that this calamity will soon pass

with the deceased laid to rest, the injured making speedy recovery, and the displaced eventually rebuilding their homes.
 
On the afternoon of February 9, DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation representative Secretary General Ven. Chang Shun met up with Red Cross to discuss this collaboration, offering to provide necessary funding via public donations in assisting the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in their reconstruction program. These operations include several emergency relief services, such as providing shelter for the displaced as well as supporting and ensuring their continued livelihood. Red Cross Society of R.O.C. President Ching Feng Wang expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation of the trust given by DDM. He promised that the organization would most definitely live up to this trust, and provide timely feedback on the works and results of their efforts in Turkey.

Ven. Chang Shun stated that the DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation offers international aid in compliance with the principles and guidelines on disaster relief as instructed by founder Master Sheng Yen. Both parties have established a good relationship in the past with working together on rescuing Sri Lanka and Indonesia from the Asian Tsunami, as well as assisting the affected areas from the aftermath of the Typhoon Morakot. As a result, the foundation followed the Abbot President's instruction and donated 3 million dollars for the humanitarian relief offered in Turkey.

Text：Yao-chung Chang (張曜鐘), Jing-man Liang (梁金滿) 2023.02.09
Photo：DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (法鼓山慈基金會) 2023.02.09
Translation：Ariel Shen (沈純湘)
Edited by：Keith Brown, Cheng-Yu Chang (張振郁)

You can assist the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria by donating here.