First Anniversary

Table of contents: Father's Death Master Hsiu Tao Mrs. Hsu's Care Master Yin Shun Visiting Mrs. Chuang The Glove Factory Excursion The Three Catholic Nuns First Anniversary The Master's Mother Sharing the Mission

Tzu Chi's first members were 30 housewives who donated a part of their grocery money to the foundation. Before going to the markets everyday, these housewives each put NT$0.50 (US$0.02) into a bamboo "piggy bank." They brought Tzu Chi's spirit to the markets, and the news that "fifty cents can also help people" spread throughout Hualien. On March 24, 1966, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation was formally established.

Tzu Chi's first anniversary was on May 3, 1967. It had 10 commissioners and more than 300 members. In its first year, the foundation collected US$719, and 15 families received assistance. The photo shows the Master and her disciples in front of Pu Ming Temple in commemoration of Tzu Chi's first anniversary.