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On May 12, 2008, a magnitude-7.9 earthquake shook central China, causing enormous devastation. As of May 13, 2008, the death toll exceeded 12,000 with thousands more injured or missing. The Tzu Chi Foundation has been monitoring the situation closely while developing disaster assessment and relief operation channels. A team of local Tzu Chi volunteers has already entered the quake's impacted area to begin delivery of relief aid. To support the relief operation, Tzu Chi volunteers in the U.S. are raising funds dedicated to recovery and rebuilding efforts, which will be a long-term project.

When Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi, learned of the earthquake and the severity of destruction, she was overtaken by extreme grief several times in her remarks to worldwide volunteers. She calls on everyone to alleviate the pain of those who are suffering and struggling to survive; as members of the global village, it is our responsibility to care for and help victims of the earthquake.

Tzu Chi has undertaken relief operations in China since 1991. In March 2008, it became a registered charity foundation in the PRC. Working closely with local government agencies, charity organizations, and local volunteers, Tzu Chi has set up a command post to collect developing news and to initiate disaster assessment and relief operations. Tzu Chi volunteers have been distributing aid, including 42,000 blankets, food, and medicine.

In the United States, Tzu Chi has begun to raise funds for those affected by this tragedy. Starting from May 15, 2008, Tzu Chi USA volunteers will walk out into the public to collect donations and raise well wishes. Master Cheng Yen encourages everyone to keep these who are suffering in their thoughts and prayers. Let us pray sincerely and wish for love among people, peace in society, and a world free from disasters. Humanitarian efforts evolve from simple goodwill. Gathering everyone's kind thoughts can become the greatest strength in saving others.

TO DONATE:

1. Check¡G
     Payable to¡GTzu Chi
     Note in Memo: Charity Fund
     Address¡GTzu Chi Foundation, U.S.A.
                  1100 S. Valley Center Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773
        ¡@¡@¡@¡@or a Tzu Chi Office near you.

2. Credit Card Donation Hotline¡]9 am – 6 pm PST¡^¡G
     1.888.989.8244¡]1.888.9TZUCHI¡^

For more information, please call Tzu Chi Foundation at (909) 447-7799 or go on-line at www.us.tzuchi.org.

About Tzu Chi

Tzu Chi is an international, volunteer-led charitable organization providing humanitarian aid, spiritual care and medical services to families and communities locally and internationally. Tzu Chi means “serving with compassion.” Tzu Chi focuses on four major service areas: charitable services, medical services, education and cultural services. Tzu Chi volunteers have started disaster relief efforts in China since 1991. Tzu Chi US is a 501(c)3 organization. Your donation to Tzu Chi is tax deductible.