Master Helps Flood-Stricken Orphans and Families

After floods affected 24,162 Algerians, causing 43 people to lose their lives and destroying 3,552 homes, a team of our Association members visited Algeria from October 18 to 28, 2009. On behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, they provided aid and comfort to the victims.

Our relief team worked with the local Algerian Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in the city of Ghardaïa and distributed a total of US$20,000 in gifts from Master in the form of cash envelopes, books, colored pencils and candy to orphans and families who had lost loved ones. Local officials expressed their deep gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her support. Dr. H.S. Zergoun, President of the Algerian Red Crescent Society in Ghardaïa, wrote these touching words in an official thank you letter:

In the Saintly book « The Kuran », God teaches us about the orphans. “If someone asks you about the orphans, answer ‘improving their condition is a good thing, if you mix with them, they become your brothers’” (Sura II “The cow,” Verse 220). The presence of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association among us,, in order to give the orphans and families of the Ghardaïa October 2009 floods some compassion and love through your so warmhearted gesture, . . . , honors you, honors your and our institutions, which have always been among the first to go to the rescue of human beings in particular, as well as of all living beings in general.

We could but offer you what we have: a Big Thank You from the bottom of our hearts, on behalf of all these orphans and all these families to whom you brought help with this generous gesture which reflects all the love that your Association and Supreme Master Ching Hai have for the people in need.

We are grateful for the noble and gracious assistance of ARCS in delivering Master’s aid to the most vulnerable. May all nations rise above the worldly boundaries to help each other in times of need and to live in brotherly love.

Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in Algeria

Description	Amount (EUR)	Receipt
Cash contribution to 22 orphans and 4 families	9,600	A
Cash support to ARCS for risk-evaluation project and relief supplies (food, sweets, stationery, etc.)	3,549	B
Total	EUR13,149 (US$19,023.44)

*Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation, food and accommodation.