As May of 2016 was reaching it’s end, and June was beginning to bud to life, France had been struck with a what seemed to be a never-ending downpour, which would amount to the worst flood to hit the capital in 35 years. With the urgency for disaster relief rising concurrently with the amount of inundated homes, Tzu Chi volunteers in France quickly mobilized, and conducted their first ever disaster aid distribution in France on June 20th, continuing throughout July. Tzu Chi’s generosity came as a shock to many, and some even took to paying their own kindness forward, donating to bamboo banks in the hopes of helping others.
Tzu Chi’s connection with the people of France remain warm to this day, and on January 14th, 2017, a ceremony was held in Salbris, France – where Tzu Chi had first started the help after the Sologne floods – in remembrance, in thanks, and in wishing everyone a joyous and disaster-free new year.
Olivier Pavy, the Mayor of Salbris, was present for the ceremony, wishing Tzu Chi a beautiful year, and invited all volunteers to come back to Salbris, for more joyful occasions. During his speech, he expressed that the people of Salbris would never forget the aid provided that seemed to have fallen from heaven, and that they would always remember Tzu Chi, forever keeping Master Cheng Yen in their hearts and prayers.
Roughly 100 residents from the cities of Salbris, Romorantin, and La Ferté-Saint-Cyr, came to show their support. Two beneficiaries, Gladys Lecompte and Séverine Guillon, also spoke at the ceremony, recounting the day Tzu Chi volunteers came to their aid.
It was like sunshine coming in the middle of the water that was still in our house at that time.
Séverine Guillon had spoken of her parents reaction anytime Tzu Chi is mentioned – that they still become emotional, and that they had never seen anything like the warm-hearted response from Tzu Chi volunteers in their lives.
We stand in solidarity with all, together, as one global family.
Help us provide compassionate relief for years to come!
