Written by Pinhau Chiou
Translated by Ariel Chan
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
At 7:58 AM on April 3, 2024, a powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Hualien County in Taiwan. It was the strongest earthquake to hit the nation in 25 years. In response to this disaster, Tzu Chi USA quickly launched its Send Love & Care to Taiwan fundraising campaign to support the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s disaster relief in Taiwan.
In New York, out of compassion for those suffering after this catastrophe, Tzu Chi USA Northeast Region volunteers took to the streets on April 6 and 7, the first weekend after the earthquake, to raise funds for the mission. The volunteers hoped those impacted by the quake would feel they were not alone, as people even far away cared about them. Disasters may be ruthless, but humanity is full of love and can overcome difficulties through united efforts.
Braving the Cold to Raise Funds
In early spring in New York, although the sky may be clear and the sun shining, typical temperatures in the lower 50° Fahrenheit range can still feel quite cold, especially if one remains outdoors for hours. Nonetheless, over 70 Tzu Chi volunteers, with hearts full of love, arrived early at the Tzu Chi USA Northeast Region Office in Flushing that April 6-7 weekend, ready to hit the streets and fundraise for the Taiwan earthquake relief mission.
Due to the many volunteers, they divided into groups, each to station at one of six fundraising points. After carefully making all the necessary preparations, they lined up and sang prayers. Then, the groups set out in an orderly fashion, each volunteer holding a donation box and loudly calling out for support.
At their fundraising spots, the noise of people and traffic was loud, yet the volunteers’ benevolent slogans could still be heard: “One dollar, send love to Taiwan!” They tirelessly called out for donations, never stopping, united in their efforts to raise funds and love to help those in need after the Taiwan earthquake.
I’m fundraising today for those impacted by the Taiwan earthquake. Today, they are the ones affected by the disaster; tomorrow, it could be us. We should help each other. We are one big family.
Even 84-year-old volunteer Hemei Wu did not let the cool weather deter her from joining the mission. When asked, “Why did you come out today to fundraise on the streets with everyone?” She replied, “Because I feel that when there is a disaster in Taiwan, we should come out to raise funds. Fundraising lets everyone know that Taiwan is in need.”
People Passing By Extend a Helping Hand
On the bustling streets of Flushing, New York, where people hurriedly come and go, countless passersby willingly paused their steps when they saw Tzu Chi volunteers fundraising for Taiwan earthquake disaster relief. Many extended a helping hand and generously donated, offering their love and support.
A young mother with a little girl stopped, and her daughter placed money into the donation box, sending love and blessings across the miles to earthquake-impacted families in Taiwan. A busy grocery store owner noticed the volunteers fundraising and donated generously without hesitation, embodying universal human compassion. A cyclist rushing through the streets stopped when he saw the group and gave. Groups of friends who were out shopping and enjoying their weekend together donated when they saw the volunteers.
An older couple strolling by also stopped and added their donation to the collection box. During their conversation with the team of Tzu Chi volunteers, they learned that Mrs. Chen was 91 years old, and her companion was over 100. When asked why they donated, Mrs. Chen said, “Because I feel it’s the right thing to do.” Smiling, she continued, “I lived in Taiwan for over ten years and love Taiwan very much.”
Junyu Zhang, the Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, also came to a Tzu Chi USA fundraising location to contribute his support.
Tzu Chi USA Northeast Region’s Support Comes From New York and Beyond
Not limited to the Flushing area of New York, Tzu Chi USA Northeast Region volunteers from the Manhattan Service Center, Long Island Branch Office, and Boston Service Center also fully mobilized to participate in this compassionate fundraising mission. They shared the same goal: to deliver love back to Taiwan as quickly as possible, warming everyone in need.
Volunteers from the Long Island Branch Office tirelessly collected donations at supermarket entrances and also went to several schools to spread the concept of compassion, gathering community strength to raise support for disaster survivors.
Over the two days, Northeast Region volunteers remained deeply committed to Tzu Chi USA’s Send Love & Care to Taiwan fundraising campaign. They braved the cold, stood on street corners for hours, and moved around tirelessly, and their efforts proved fruitful.
Over 70 volunteers from the Flushing area, spread across six donation points, raised $11,902; 11 volunteers in New York’s Chinatown raised $2,000; 15 volunteers in Long Island raised $4,721; and volunteers in Boston raised $5,450.
That weekend, the Northeast Region garnered $24,073 in donations to Tzu Chi USA’s Send Love & Care to Taiwan fundraising campaign. Tzu Chi USA Northeast Region volunteers are dedicated to helping those in need, inspiring compassion, and giving selflessly through all the missions and activities they are involved in. Your love and support can empower them to do even more.
