Houston Community News >> Tzu Chi Volunteers Raising Funds for China Earthquake Relief

5/14/2008-- Tzu Chi volunteers across US are raising funds and well wishes.

On May 12, 2008, a magnitude-7.9 earthquake shook central China and caused devastating damaged. As of May 14, 2008, death toll exceeds 15,000 with thousands more injured or still missing. To support the relief operation, Tzu Chi volunteers in US are raising funds for the recovery and rebuilding process that is going to continue into a long term project.

Starting from May 17, 2008, Tzu Chi US volunteers will walk into the public and conduct street fundraising as well. This weekend, Tzu Chi Houston will set up street fundraisers in major New Chinatown supermarkets and points of interest.

Tzu Chi is a registered local charity foundation in China as of March 2008. Working closely with local government agencies, charitable organizations, and local volunteers, Tzu Chi has setup a disaster command post to monitor developing news, initiate disaster assessment and prepare for relief operation. Bulk disaster relief aid will be dispatched in the next two days, including 42,000 blankets and livelihood essentials.

Monday's quake in China is about the same magnitude as that of the 1906 San Francisco quake that destroyed more than 500 city blocks, according to Channel 13 News Hour. Meteorologists have observed more than 300 aftershocks. When Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, heard of the earthquake and the resulting sever destruction, she was overtaken by extreme grief several times in her remarks to the worldwide volunteers. She encourages everyone to keep those who are suffering and struggling in their thoughts and prayers. Humanitarian efforts evolve from simple well wishes. Gathering of everyone’s loving kindness can become the greatest strength in saving others.

To donate:

* Please make your check payable to Tzu Chi and mail to Tzu Chi Foundation, 6200 Corporate Dr., Houston, TX 77036.

* Credit card donation is accepted by calling 1-888-9TZUCHI (1-888-989-8244).

* A designated Sichuan Relief account has been set up at Cathay Bank. Please wire transfer your donation to Cathay Bank (ABA 122203950) located at 777 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Our account is Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation USA, located at 1100 S. Valley Center Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773, and the account number is 01-130005.
For more information, please call (909) 447-7799 or go on-line at http://www.us.tzuchi.org/usa/home.nsf/homeC/index