Sending Warmth to People Suffering
from Extreme Cold Weather By Mongolia News Group (Originally in Mongolian)
Following a summer of drought, Mongolia faced an unusually severe winter in January. While daily seasonal temperatures are normally minus 15 to minus 35 degrees, they dropped to minus 40 or more this year. Nearly 200,000 residents who already live in less fortunate circumstances were in critical danger of food shortage, especially since snow-covered roads blocked many transport routes to the rural provinces. Heavy snowfall and blizzards also destroyed houses and took the lives of many farm animals. Our Association member introduces vegan food.
With Supreme Master Ching Hai’s heartfelt condolences and US$10,000 contribution, our Mongolian Association members went to the devastated areas on May 6. Accompanied by the local mayor and other officials, they personally distributed a much needed yurt (Mongolian traditional dwelling structure), vegan foods and construction materials for repairing the damaged homes. As the local citizens began to understand the detrimental impact of the meat diet on the climate, many of them decided to turn away from livestock raising and start new businesses such as farming, plumbing and carpentry. To help them make a smooth transition to a more compassionate lifestyle, the relief team also provided them with vegetables seeds and the necessary tools for farming. The local people were overjoyed to receive Master’s timely assistance, as they had lost everything to the disaster except their hope and faith in God. To express their sincere appreciation, Mr. Batmunkh, Sh., Head of the Citizens’ Representative Council of Bayanchandmani Soum, Tuv Province, and Governor Mr. Bayarnemekh. B. of Bayanchandmani Soum, Tuv Province declared May 12 as “Supreme Master Ching Hai Day.”
Expenditures
by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Severe Weather
Relief Work in Mongolia
* Throughout the relief operation, fellow initiates paid for their own transportation, food and accommodation.
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