By Hsiu-Ling Wu, Chi-Fen Lin | Brazil
On November 22, 2024, the Tzu Chi Foundation held its first official aid distribution in Eldorado do Sul, Brazil, providing urgent relief to 538 households affected by recent floods. After months of planning and three detailed assessments, this event brought much-needed aid and heartfelt care comfort to disaster survivors.
Miracles of Love and Gratitude
Before dawn, volunteers prepared for the distribution. Long lines of residents had already formed, waiting with quiet anticipation. Many participants, originally from a historically affluent German-descended community, had faced unimaginable hardship due to the floods. The tragedy of natural disasters had erased socioeconomic boundaries, leaving everyone in need of help.
The volunteers began with a "volunteer vest-bestowing ceremony," symbolizing the transformation of local recipients into empowered community helpers. Wearing white tops and black pants with the volunteer vests, these new local volunteers were entrusted with carrying forward the spirit of giving. As they stepped into their roles, Tzu Chi’s love and humanity took deeper root in Brazilian soil.
The aid distribution included monetary relief cards of $500 to $1,000 USD, depending on household size—a lifeline for families struggling to meet basic needs. For many, this support equated to months of income. Residents expressed disbelief at the generosity, often repeating, “I can’t believe this is real.”
Simone, a key figure in the local volunteer group, shared her emotional journey to this moment. The connection was made possible by a local entrepreneur, affectionately known as "Mother Shen," who introduced Simone to Tzu Chi. Together, they became instrumental in mobilizing aid. “We are one family,” Simone told the gathered crowd, her words resonating with the day’s theme of unity and love.
The atmosphere was further enriched by heartfelt cultural exchanges. Volunteers led the crowd in sign language to the song One Family, while the awakening kindness through the lyrics of Bamboo Bank Era in Portuguese. This inspired many to embrace Tzu Chi’s message that “small contributions can make a big difference.”
Love Beyond Borders
The aid extended beyond material relief—it was a testament to Tzu Chi’s enduring commitment. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, while families with young children received special seating arrangements. One mother, holding her three-month-old baby, expressed how the aid would help her buy food and diapers. Another tearfully shared, “After the flood, nobody cared for us—until today.”
The distribution team received more than just thanks. Residents gifted handwritten letters, chocolates, and small potted plants as tokens of appreciation. In total, 240 letters filled with heartfelt gratitude were presented to Tzu Chi, leaving the volunteers deeply moved.
Spreading Hope, One Step at a Time
As the first event concluded, some volunteers immediately set off to prepare for the next distribution in São Leopoldo. Despite the challenges of coordinating cross-border aid efforts, the team remained unwavering in their mission.
Volunteer Helena Hung, who had worked on multiple international disaster relief efforts, described the day as a dream fulfilled. “This was the first time I’ve ever received so many letters of gratitude,” she shared. For her and the team, the outpouring of love and blessings was the ultimate reward, reaffirming the transformative power of compassion.
Through its first aid distribution in Brazil, Tzu Chi proved that love knows no boundaries. The floodwaters may have receded, but the seeds of hope and love planted that day will continue to grow, creating a legacy of kindness for generations to come.
