C. Characteristics of the Voluntary Service Provided by the SMCHIA

1. Highly Mobile

The Supreme Master Ching Hai teaches Her disciples to "expect that the world is peaceful, and no disasters will happen," to always keep their thinking on a positive note, and to do the best rescue work possible, should a disaster occur. So, in every corner of the world, whenever it is known that help is urgently required, the disciples quickly reach unanimity in mobilizing considerable manpower and financial and material support, going deep into the affected areas at the most critical times to accomplish missions of urgent rescue.

For example, in 1991, the Mount Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines erupted, resulting in more than a million casualties and homeless victims. The SMCHIA immediately launched a large-scale relief project, which was much appreciated by the government and people of the Philippines. Volunteers from the Association risked their lives, venturing into villages only five kilometers from the volcano, to render help. Due to poor transportation and the heavy risks involved, even local relief groups dared not go to these villages. (Note 9)

Similarly, after the 1999 earthquake in Turkey, upon hearing news of the disaster, the SMCHIA in Formosa bought and packed relief materials in two days, accomplishing their work with the greatest speed. They contributed tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and warm blankets, weighing over fourteen thousand kilograms, and filled about eight hundred and twenty-eight large boxes. With enthusiastic assistance from their country's Department of International Organizations of the Foreign Ministry, the relief materials were delivered to the affected area by China Airlines and Turkish Airlines. (Note 10) The SMCHIA in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and the U.S.A. also took action to contribute to the Turkish earthquake victims.

Victims of the 9/21 quake disaster living in tents provided by The SMCHIA in Formosa.

After Formosa's earthquake in September 1999, upon hearing the unfortunate news, Supreme Master Ching Hai quickly telephoned to express Her concern, and instructed Her disciples to begin immediate relief efforts. Knowing that good cooperation with the government was the best way to rescue quake victims, the disciples promptly contributed money, in the name of The SMCHIA, to the special account set up by the Ministry of the Interior Department at the Central Bank Treasury for relief of quake disasters. They also promptly set up temporary relief centers in Nantou and Taichung. Association members from all over Formosa soon joined the relief team. Working speedily and cooperatively, they prepared mobile toilets, tents, sleeping bags, mineral water, food and daily necessities, which were efficiently delivered to victims in the affected areas. On the very night of the earthquake, the Association had already delivered numerous tents to some of the affected areas, solving the accommodation problems of some victims just in time.

The rescue team formed by Association members from Nantou was the first to report to the Nantou Municipal Government, and along with other participants, formed the first rescue group on the scene. Other Association members also formed relief teams in order to reach many affected areas. They especially considered the needs of the people in remote regions where the Government and other civilian groups might not be able to provide immediate help by car, such as places deep in the mountains that were isolated due to rough tracks and damaged roads. From the 23rd to the 25th of September, many of these routes were still gravely threatened by falling rocks. However, disregarding the dangers, the SMCHIA members traveled on foot, carried relief materials on their backs and delivered timely relief to the helpless victims. Medical teams formed by dozens of members in the medical profession also ventured deep into the affected area to help victims. More than forty light trucks moved back and forth to deliver the relief materials gathered by Association members from various cities. A team of excavation vehicles was also formed to support the rescue work, helping the government to open roads, clearing debris on the streets and in collapsed buildings, leveling the ground for the police station to set up a temporary office, and unblocking the roads between villages. (Note 11)

From the above examples, we can see the efficiency and power of the SMCHIA in initiating and mobilizing voluntary services, because the Association's members have the spirit of helping others, as if they were helping themselves.