Written by Pinhau Chiou and Yuja Lin
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
Just after 6 PM on April 28, 2024, a massive fire began at the Bridle Path Apartments in Randolph, Massachusetts. Without a working sprinkler system inside, the multi-family building was damaged extensively, experiencing multiple collapses – including the roof and walls, as dedicated firefighters raced against time. The building, however, was tragically lost, displacing more than 80 community members.
Tzu Chi USA’s Boston Service Center volunteers set out to assess the situation on May 2, and soon after, on May 11, a relief distribution was held. A total of 15 volunteers participated in the event, providing cash cards, packs of instant noodles, eco-blankets, and shawls to survivors.
A Harrowing Night
The blaze began quickly. One building resident who leaped from the second floor was taken to the hospital with minor burns, but others were relieved to escape the building with few injuries. “All of a sudden, the fire spread so fast. I couldn’t believe it. It’s like someone poured gasoline on the roof,” a fire survivor named Margharita told Tzu Chi volunteers. Margharita had been working three jobs to support her family for some time. When the fire suddenly sparked and consumed her home overnight, she didn’t know where she and her family could stay. Many were left with little more than the clothes they wore at the time. The flames took everything before their eyes, from treasured mementos to essential documents like driver’s licenses and social security cards.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency invited Tzu Chi USA’s Boston Service Center to come to the Recovery Resource Center on May 2 alongside other relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
In speaking with survivors, the volunteers found that the fire impacted several older adults and children, and some affected residents had great difficulty seeking help due to language barriers. Survivors were in dire need of support – in addition to safe shelter, survivors would need clothing, shoes, food, financial assistance, help in reclaiming their identification, and emotional support.
When one mother and daughter first met with Tzu Chi, they were surprised to learn the volunteers were there to help, free of charge. The volunteers quickly eased their concerns, explaining, “We are a charitable organization; we don’t charge anything.” This act of care touched the mother and daughter pair, and they expressed gratitude to the volunteers.
Care From the Heart
On May 11, Tzu Chi volunteers arrived at the Randolph Intergenerational Community Center early in the morning to collaborate with Randolph city staff members in organizing the fire relief distribution. As soon as the distribution commenced at 10:00 AM, survivors began arriving.
Many of the survivors’ expressions were bleak after such a frightening experience. To help raise their spirits, Tzu Chi volunteers led the group in a Sign Language piece – the soft music and warm atmosphere bringing silent tears to the eyes of survivors, and volunteers shared hugs and words of encouragement with the group.
The Tzu Chi volunteers then joined hands with survivors and formed a circle, letting love flow from person to person as one global family. “It’s really sad. My wife and I have never been in such a situation. But we are so thankful for volunteers like you. We don’t know what we would have done without you,” one fire survivor shared.
We feel so warmed because we know that there are people in the world who care about us after all.
The atmosphere had deeply touched an older gentleman at the distribution who shared that he is a devout Christian. As he left, he accepted a bamboo bank prepared by the Tzu Chi volunteers and stated he would fill it little by little to help other people in need, continuing the cycle of love. He thanked Tzu Chi’s founder, Master Cheng Yen, as well as the assembled Tzu Chi volunteers, saying, “Tzu Chi volunteers gave me hope. Despite the fire, I don’t feel unfortunate. Rather, I think it’s a chance to start over again.”
Staying Strong
Years prior, Aleta (a pseudonym) lost her daughter, and the person who took her life was just recently apprehended. This tragedy was still a fresh ache for Aleta when the fire occurred. After so much pain, she still faced life with strength and resilience.
“I want to go to another place to spend Mother’s Day with other moms who have lost their children,” shared this strong mother upon receiving aid from Tzu Chi volunteers. She expressed that she believes these misfortunes were God’s test for her, and she is determined to keep her head high.
As long as there is love in the world, anything is possible. May compassion touch the lives of all beings, so that everyone can find the strength to transform suffering and embrace a brighter tomorrow.
