At the end of March 2026, the fields of West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland were still wrapped in the lingering chill of late winter. However, warmth was arriving in the rural communities of Pyrzyce County.
On March 28, local volunteer Ewelina Marciniak joined Taiwanese volunteer Tina Chen (陳怡佳) and her husband Rafał Linke to carry out an aid distribution. Bringing "Eggs of Wisdom"—which symbolize rebirth and courage—the team initiated an effort that was not merely a handover of supplies, but the culmination of three months of consistent care and companionship for the local residents.
A comforting reunion
Around noon, the community center in Poczernin opened its doors to welcome eleven families. This small, intimate distribution felt more like a gathering of old friends. Having arrived early, Ewelina, Chen, and Rafał had already set up the audiovisual equipment. As a documentary showing international relief efforts played on the screen, the attentive eyes of the residents reflected a deep appreciation for the care they were receiving.
The volunteers carefully explained the use of the cash cards, each loaded with 600 Polish Złoty, ensuring that every senior understood how to utilize the funds. When they presented the "Eggs of Wisdom" ahead of the Easter holiday, the elderly recipients responded with warm embraces and kisses on the cheek, treating the volunteers like family. The room filled with emotion as everyone followed the sign language movements to the songs "One Family" and "Love and Care," blending music and tears of joy.
Reconnecting with familiar faces
During the journey to the next location, the volunteers drove into the village of Okunica to visit 75-year-old Ela. Remembering the warmth of the volunteers who had visited her the previous Christmas, she slowly made her way to the door to greet them.
Due to severe leg issues, Ela’s mobility is highly restricted. After a nine-month wait, she is finally scheduled for surgery at a hospital in Szczecin this May. Currently, her social life consists only of a weekly car ride from a social worker to attend church services.
LEFT: Seniors express gratitude by hugging and kissing the volunteers on the cheek, reciprocating the warmth. RIGHT: Grandma Ela shares with volunteers an old photo embracing her late husband. | Photos: Tina Chen
Since her husband passed away two years ago, her large house has felt quiet and empty. Her two sons work in Germany, and her granddaughter lives in Poznań. Despite her loneliness, Ela felt comfortable enough with the volunteers to reveal her delicate emotions. With trembling hands, she brought out an old photograph of her and her late husband embracing.
Rafał gently presented her with a cash card and explained the meaning behind the "Egg of Wisdom." He also gifted her a peace charm to bring blessings for her upcoming surgery. Comforted by their gentle words, a bright smile returned to Ela’s face. She waved them goodbye from her doorway, carrying renewed courage as she faces her medical procedure.
A message of resilience
Continuing their journey, the volunteers visited the school dormitory of Aleksandra P., who had just turned eighteen. Stepping into her modest room, the stark emptiness immediately highlighted her difficult financial situation.
I just moved in here, so... there's nothing here.— Aleksandra P., Student
LEFT: Eighteen-year-old Aleksandra P. (left) reads a Jing Si aphorism about facing adversity bravely, which reflects her struggles. RIGHT: Ahead of Easter, volunteers prepared Eggs of Wisdom containing aphorisms as well-wishes for each care recipient. | Photos: Tina Chen
When discussing her meager living allowance, a trace of sadness appeared in her eyes. At an age meant for dreaming and youthful energy, she was navigating the loneliness of her parents' divorce while managing a food budget of less than 13 Złoty per day.
Seeing the shy and gentle young woman, Justyna Jaszczyk, a former provincial humanitarian aid coordinator who recently joined the volunteer team, leaned in closely. With motherly tenderness, Justyna asked if her funds were sufficient and if she was able to get enough to eat. This unconditional, non-judgmental concern brought Aleksandra a long-lost sense of warmth.
After handing her a cash card and peace charm, the volunteers invited Aleksandra to open her "Egg of Wisdom." Opening it, she read the message inside: "There is no turning back in life; face adversity bravely." She looked up in surprise, as the aphorism directly mirrored the life challenges she was currently navigating. Deeply moved with tears in her eyes, she realized the egg was not just a festive token, but a pillar of emotional support encouraging her to stand on her own.
Receiving with dignity
By 4:00 PM, the team arrived in the remote area of Karsko, where the distribution became a profound display of dignity and compassion. County Executive Stanisław Stępień participated in the entire event. Bending down to speak softly with the residents, he personally handed out the cash cards with deep respect.
The event demonstrated excellent coordination between the local government and the volunteers. Justyna utilized her administrative expertise to ensure everything was organized yet welcoming, while Rafał shared stories with the officials and residents.
LEFT: Despite his mobility challenges, an elderly man insists on standing up to receive the love and care from Tzu Chi. RIGHT: Volunteers Tina Chen and Rafał Linke lead the residents in interacting through the sign language songs. | Photos: Tina Chen
The most moving scene of the afternoon occurred when an elderly man with mobility issues politely declined assistance from others. Holding onto the back of a chair, he slowly and determinedly stood up to receive his aid. Once steady on his feet, he gave the volunteers a long, warm embrace. In that moment, the weight of his struggles seemed to melt away, replaced by the profound dignity of feeling respected and loved. The touching exchange brought tears to the County Executive's eyes.
As the afternoon concluded, Rafał shared the origins and spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era, explaining how daily donations of just 50 cents from ordinary people had grown into a global effort.
Many people ask us where this help comes from. I want to share a story that happened in Taiwan over fifty years ago... Today, the cards you received are not sponsored by a large corporation, but are funded by the accumulated love of countless ordinary people around the world. We are placing this love, gathered over fifty years, right into your hands.
— Rafał Linke, Volunteer
LEFT: Rafał Linke (front right) shares the Bamboo Bank story, explaining that the aid comes from daily small donations. RIGHT: Justyna Jaszczyk (left), former provincial humanitarian aid coordinator, ensures the event runs smoothly. | Photos: Tina Chen
The concept of "small change doing great deeds" resonated deeply with the Polish audience. At the end of the event, the County Executive presented the volunteer team with a gift of appreciation.
I want to sincerely thank you for initiating this activity. For us, hosting such an excellent team is a great honor. I am deeply impressed by your dedication and the way you treat people. On behalf of all the residents of Pyrzyce County, I want to give you a small gift as a symbol of our friendship and deep gratitude. Thank you for everything you have done for us... I feel that Tzu Chi is a very dedicated organization. This is my first time participating in such an activity, and I am profoundly shocked and moved. I didn't just see the distribution of goods; I saw the ultimate respect for people.
— Stanisław Stępień, County Executive of Pyrzyce County
This powerful affirmation marked a beautiful conclusion to the day's events. Through the simple gift of an egg and a cash card, seeds of hope and courage had been firmly planted in Pyrzyce County.
Written by Tina Chen (陳怡佳)
