The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

TZU CHI 138 21 same note, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor launched the Food Care project and distributed food supplies for over 200,000 persons, through multiple distribution sessions held over two months from mid-July. At the same time, volunteers involved in the Cash-based Interventions (CBI 1 ) programme realized that some refugees, too, needed material assistance. In view of the longer processing time for the CBI programme, Tzu Chi launched a Food Care project for refugees, to provide timely assistance and loving care for refugees who had run out of food supplies. The targetted beneficiaries included applicants who sought help through the Tzu Chi Careline, families of students from Tzu Chi refugee schools, patients of KL Tzu- Chi Free Clinic, CBI beneficiaries facing food shortages, and families referred by community refugee leaders and UNHCR. Most of the refugees are scattered in various corners of the city. With the ongoing pandemic, the volunteers assessed the risks of infection before delivering love and care to families in need. In addition to observing the SOPs, the volunteers would also contact the beneficiaries to confirm their personal details, ensure that they and their housemates had no symptoms of Covid-19 infection, and then make an appointment for distribution. The Food Care project for refugees ran for three rounds from August 16 to November 15. Each beneficiary family received RM150 cash vouchers each round, to purchase supplies they need from a nearby Speedmart mini-market, except for cigarettes, alcohol and meat-based products. Besides vouchers, volunteers also brought along Tzu Chi coin banks and vegetarian advocacy cards for distribution. Moreover, they also mindfully prepared pictorial drawings to aid explanations on the voucher terms of use, so that beneficiaries who are not conversant in the local languages could easily grasp the points communicated. Thanks to the volunteers’ selfless efforts, a total of 5,559 provisions were handed out to benefit 20,789 recipients over the span of three months. A beneficiary gave the thumbs-up to express his joy upon receiving the cash vouchers. [Photo by Teng Pick Cheang] Let Everyone Be Free from Hunger 1 CBI is a short-term aid, where Tzu Chi volunteers conduct assessments based on name list provided by the UNHCR, and disburse funds from UNHCR to eligible applicants. Each beneficiary will receive cash assistance for three months, and may apply for extension for a maximum of three cycles.