The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

2019 • 08 46 Argentina 2019.06.17 Trudging through Mud and Snow toWarm Hearts lobal News Reported by Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Lee Hui Yieng Photographs provided by Tzu Chi Taiwan Headquarters I n November 2018, the Cascallares region in the city of Moreno, Buenos Aires Province, was struck by a typhoon that blew the roofs off many houses, exacerbating the dire plight of impoverished families already blighted by a weak economy. In the wake of the typhoon, Maria, the person-in-charge at the local charity canteen, La esperanza, recorded video footage on her mobile phone depicting the damage sustained by the canteen and broadcast it through the media. Following the release of the video, some factories donated metal sheets and bricks, while several quarters contributed food supplies to enable the canteen to resume its operations. Alejandro, the younger brother of local Tzu Chi volunteer, Miguel, arrived at the disaster site to assess the post-disaster situation before delivering a report to Tzu Chi. He also distributed flour to those affected by the disaster. Considering the fact that the locals had received generous assistance frommany kind Samaritans in the immediate post-disaster period, Tzu Chi volunteers visited the canteen six months after the disaster on May 6, 2019. They observed the canteen personnel preparing meals by using the back-to-basics cooking method of propping a pot on an elevated metal sheet in the courtyard and starting a fire with wood. An earthen kiln was used to bake bread for consumption at the canteen as well as for sale. On June 17, 2019, Tzu Chi volunteers travelled to Cascallares, located 42 km away from the capital city. They traversed concrete and asphalt roads that gave way to muddy trails riddled with potholes. The distribution of relief supplies was conducted at the home of one of the canteen volunteers. The locals were in disbelief when provided with free supplies that included blankets, rice, lentils, condiments and noodles, as they have never received provisions from any charitable organizations before. Despite the persistent rain and cold weather, the volunteers remained steadfast in their mission to deliver warmth to those in need.