By Fernanda Wu, Hsiu-lien Chu | Chile 

In 2024, Chile experienced an unusually early winter, encountering the strongest cold wave in seventy years in what should have been the autumn month of May. In response, Tzu Chi volunteers launched a series of care activities, urgently purchasing warm hats, scarves, and gloves to distribute to vulnerable groups. 

Special Needs Children Learn to Dance 

The Cerrillos Cultural Center offers a traditional dance class, Cueca, for children with special needs. The class is held every Friday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, aiming to expand the children’s life experiences through dance movements, expressions, and postures, building their confidence and self-identity. 

On May 17, the first day of class, Claudia the instructor, invited Tzu Chi volunteers Fernanda Wu and Chin-Chiu Liao to encourage the children and their parents. 

Fernanda introduced the origins of Tzu Chi in Chile to the attendees, “In 2010, a major earthquake struck Chile. Tzu Chi volunteers from seven countries came to help the survivors, assisting 7,500 families. Since then, Tzu Chi Foundation was established in Chile.” 

Since its establishment, Tzu Chi Foundation has been helping those in need and collaborating with Claudia in various regions to conduct aid distributions. Currently, they are assisting 1,200 households affected by a fire in Viña del Mar. Fernanda explained that the volunteers brought warm hats, scarves, and gloves for the lovely children, hoping to meet their needs and warm their hearts and bodies. 

Claudia mentioned that life became very difficult during the pandemic. “Thank you, Sister Fernanda, for bringing these supplies, which helped everyone get through a long period of hardship.” She expressed her hope for a closer and ongoing connection with Tzu Chi volunteers. 

The class began with Claudia leading the students in warm-up exercises. At the request of the teacher and students, Fernanda joined the dance class, wearing a Cueca dance skirt. Some children had participated in the dance class last year, so they reviewed and learned new dance steps. Cueca is a traditional dance that Chileans perform during National Day celebrations. 

Claudia patiently and lovingly taught these special angels. Each movement requires repeated practice to remember the steps, but they might forget them by the next class. Despite having to take their time, they focused on following the teacher, dancing to their own beat. 

Volunteers also brought juice, small cakes, and cookies to share with the children during the break, encouraging them to take brave steps and persevere. Like other children, those with special needs also experience emotions. Facing these special angels, only continuous encouragement and care can help. 

After the break, the class resumed. Last year, there were only six students in the dance class; this year, the number increased to ten. Fernanda assisted a boy attending the class for the first time. Claudia announced that there would be a performance in October, inviting all families and guests to watch their achievements. 

Before the class ended, Chin-Chiu Liao distributed gifts to each child. The modest children took only hats, scarves, and gloves, leaving the gift bags behind. The joy of receiving the gifts was evident on their faces. “Goodbye!” The children smiled and bid farewell to the volunteers, looking forward to the next gathering. 

Material Relief to Avoid Closure 

The Centro El Buen Samaritano nursing home in Peñalolén faced a very difficult time this year due to a sudden decrease in donated supplies, putting the center at risk of closure. Volunteer Monica repeatedly sought help from Tzu Chi. 

To address the urgent needs of the nursing home, volunteers braved the cold rain to shop at a large supermarket on May 22. Fernanda Wu explained that despite the inconvenient weather, volunteers had to purchase supplies because delivery was scheduled for the next day. Despite the relentless rain, volunteers loaded 370 kilograms of supplies, including rice, noodles, lentils, flour, oil, sugar, and tomato sauce, into the car, feeling a slight relief. 

The next day, three volunteers arrived at the nursing home early in the morning. The elderly residents greeted them with smiles. “Good morning! Thank you so much for coming,” expressed one elder. Seeing old friends, the residents joyfully hugged and took photos with the volunteers. The nursing home’s volunteers brought carts to help unload the supplies. 

After unloading, local volunteer Juan led the elderly in Tai Chi exercises and warm-up activities. The donation ceremony was attended by Father Nelson, a representative of the elderly. Father Nelson expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Tzu Chi Foundation, for your dedication to these elderly people.” These supplies will last three to four months, allowing the nursing home to continue caring for its residents. 

Juan continued to lead the elderly in exercises to promote health. He searched online for suitable and fun fitness activities, a sign of his dedication. 

Inviting the elderly to recall the greatness of maternal love, Juan shared that “The love of mothers is both compassionate and kind.”  

Hearing this, one elder shared, “My mother once made a large cake and shared it with us seven children. I truly felt her selfless love.” Another, elder Manuel recounted his mother’s love, which he would never forget. A nursing home volunteer also recalled how her mother raised fourteen children alone, saying, “This love is incomparable.” 

“We just talked about family, mothers, love, compassion, and care, which are all very important to us. As a Tzu Chi volunteer, I want to thank the Tzu Chi Foundation and everyone here today. Let’s give ourselves a big round of applause,” Juan said, strengthening the emotional connection between the volunteers and the elderly. 

Love and Care for One Family 

In the kitchen, nursing home volunteer Blanca was frying vegetarian spring rolls brought by Tzu Chi volunteers. These spring rolls were donated by volunteer Ya-Hui Yang. Chin-Chiu Liao provided technical guidance on frying crispy spring rolls. Fernanda and Blanca then made pumpkin cakes as snacks for the elderly. Monica came over to fry eggs, which would be served with pasta and vegetable salad for lunch.   

As the meal came to an end, Fernanda led everyone in a sincere prayer with the song “Love and Care.” Another familiar sign language song, “One Family,” touched everyone’s hearts. After the song, volunteers distributed hats, scarves, and gloves, bringing warmth to everyone’s hearts, making the atmosphere feel like spring had arrived. 

“Thank you, Sister Wu, Brother Liao, and Brother Juan, for bringing delicious food again. From the bottom of my heart, I pray that God will protect you wherever you go,” Monica expressed sincerely. 

“Thank you to all the Tzu Chi volunteers. God bless you! Please visit us often!” With the elders’ blessings and expectations, the relief activity concluded successfully. Tzu Chi volunteers will definitely return because the love of one family is always present.