The world of Tzu Chi July-August 2022 (Vol.142)

02 2022 • 08 bottles, then sort and prepare them to be melted into pellets, extruded into yarn, and woven into fabric before the final products could be packed and shipped to Poland. Similarly, the gift cards provided by us, each loaded with 2,000 Polish zlotys (US$450), were only possible because of the donations of many kind-hearted people. Many are contributing in whatever way they can. When the Dragon Boat Festival was approaching this year, our volunteers in Taiwan organized charity sales of zongzis to raise money for our Ukrainian humanitarian response. [ Zongzis are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, traditionally eaten during the festival.] Some people donated rice and other ingredients, and others made the food. There were instances of people paying enough money for dozens of zongzis but then taking only ten home and donating the rest to be resold. There were also people who not only bought our zongzis but donated money to help Ukrainians. A volunteer in Taichung, central Taiwan, provided chopsticks made from ebony for charity sales too. A group of volunteers who were skilled at sewing made lovely stitched cases for the chopsticks out of recycled umbrella fabric. [The decorative cases made the chopsticks more appealing and allowed them to be carried easily for eating out.] Everyone gave in different ways with one goal—to help the refugees. I am most grateful to everyone who donated time, goods or money, and to the Tzu Chi volunteers who went to Poland to deliver our care and love to the displaced Ukrainians. We could not go there personally, but they went in our stead. We could not embrace the refugees ourselves, but they did it for us. Such is the relay of love. Those of us who cannot go to the front lines must do what we can to help so that we can give sustained support to the needy. I am also happy to see our foundation joining hands with other charity or non-governmental organizations to help the refugees. When everyone works together, each contributing their strengths, we make a bigger difference and can offer better aid to those in need. When others are hurt, we feel the pain; when others suffer, we feel the sorrow. Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in peace and safety must remember that while we are enjoying our blessed lives, a group of people far away are suffering and facing an uncertain future. Let us seize every chance to give and help love spread by inspiring others to tap into their kindness. When we pool our love together, we will accumulate limitless strength and allow love to reach every corner of the world. When that day comes, then transforming our world into a Pure Land will be more than a dream. aster’s Teaching * Reprinted with permission from Tzu Chi Bimonthly.