Press Releases
News and Updates
The Mill Fire ignited in the City of Weed, in Siskiyou County, California, at noon on Friday, September 2, 2022. Influenced by high temperatures and strong winds, the wildfire spread rapidly. The governor declared a state of emergency in Siskiyou County that very night and ordered thousands of people to evacuate their homes. According to official sources, the wildfire caused two fatalities and destroyed 118 structures, including homes. The area's residents were left to cope with heavy grief over losses of life and property. After receiving a list of affected households from their long-time partner, United Way, Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region volunteers held a disaster relief distribution at the Weed Community Center on October 9, providing $29,100 in cash card aid of benefit to 98 people.
News and Updates
On Saturday, October 8, 2022, Tzu Chi’s Tijuana campus in Mexico was bustling with activity. The free dental clinic Tzu Chi offered that day started immediately after a strong team arrived. The event supported patients who came after hearing about it by word-of-mouth and fortified the Tzu Chi medical team. Motivated by altruism, Dr. Martha Rosa Lucero, from the Lucero Dental Group, offered her services during the free clinic to help those in need relieve their dental problems. She also brought two other doctors and eight assistants as part of her team.
News and Updates
On October 9, 2022, Tzu Chi volunteers in Orange County, Southern California, returned to Santa Ana to offer medical outreach at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana. After a three-year disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the first time they could provide free medical services again. The outreach event included Western and Traditional Chinese medicine and dentistry services. Additionally, second-hand clothing, shoes, and toys were available for families to pick from and take home.
News and Updates
Due to COVID-19, many organizations no longer provide free tax filing services, rendering low-income taxpayers helpless. In light of this, Tzu Chi volunteers across the United States stepped up to help the influx of applicants.
News and Updates
On September 6, 2022, under the afternoon sun in California’s Silicon Valley, Tzu Chi volunteers Michelle Wong and Leslie Shieh welcomed Slava and his family to their dental clinic. Escaping conflict in Ukraine, comedian Slava and his wife, Tosha, found safety in the United States after a long journey accompanied by their two young children, Amir and Arina. Slava had been experiencing a toothache, but at that time, they could not afford the cost of expensive dental procedures. Slava’s wife, Tosha, searched for help via the internet, and Tzu Chi promptly reached out to provide the family with free dental care and living assistance.
News and Updates
Upon witnessing the effects of Hurricane Ian in Florida, Tzu Chi volunteers from the Southern Regional office and additional United States regional offices swiftly gathered in Florida to provide their love and relief. Together, they assessed the situation on site and began a six-day, seven-session distribution effort as of October 15, 2022. The latest and largest event was held on November 5 in Lee County’s Fort Myers community. With both hands outstretched and heads bowed in reverence, Tzu Chi volunteers delivered cash cards, eco-blankets, and essential supplies to survivors.