
Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, its vicious flames devouring 153,336 acres of land, destroying 18,800 structures, and tragically claiming the lives of 85 people. Responding to the call for aid, Tzu Chi USA quickly mobilized, arriving on Nov. 8, 2018 – the very day the fire occurred – to deliver direct and compassionate relief.
In a California Camp Fire post-disaster interview with Shirley McDowall, a discussion about her destroyed, beloved community of Paradise City elicited an endless flow of tears. McDowall was a little emotional while receiving love and care from Tzu Chi volunteers that same day. Hands on McDowall’s shoulders, Tzu Chi volunteer Huang Fang-Wen whispered a reminder: “Deep breathing.” As an […]
“Today, Tzu Chi Foundation wants to announce to survivors from the Camp Fire that those who need help should register online as soon as possible, or go directly to the Chico Disaster Relief Center (DRC). The Tzu Chi Foundation volunteers will help them register,” Huang Hankuei, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation US, said. Huang asked the media […]
Following Tzu Chi’s Camp Fire relief missions around Northern California, many of those impacted by the compassion of the organization were curious to learn more about Tzu Chi’s values and how the organization operates. By the end of the mission, all of the victims had realized that Tzu Chi is a trustful partner that is willing […]
Attendees got to know each other through an ice-breaking activity. Author: Jack Fan Translation: Wei Qingjun Editor: Adriana DiBenedetto Photos by: Thomas Hong On April 20th, the usually quiet Tzu Chi Austin Branch in Texas was crowded with approximately 40 bright young faces. These are the Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association volunteers from Texas A&M University, visiting for […]
One day, Camp Fire survivor Shereley Smith told our volunteers that she has a cute granddaughter, and then shared a photo. We told Smith, “Your granddaughter looks the same as you.” When the disastrous Camp Fire ignited Paradise City, “my house and everything else was destroyed,” Smith said. We then considerately asked, “How is your family?” “We […]
In the middle of the afternoon, two Camp Fire survivors came to Tzu Chi’s station at the Chico Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) looking to register online for Camp Fire relief aid. As we saw their tired faces and distressed spirits, we immediately rushed to help them. Soon, we started the application process and learned more […]
Looking through his camera lens while wearing sunglasses on top of his hat, Uncle, a retired naval officer, said, "This year is the 60th anniversary of my marriage with the same lady." The house he had built with his own two hands and lived in for 45 years was completely burnt down.
When finally found, Jessie The Dog jumped up, wagged his tail and barked into the phone when he heard his owner, Michael Reasons, on the other end, as if to say, “I am here! I am here!” At the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), Reasons shared his experience of how he reunited with Jessie following the […]