By Mei-Fong Lin, Hsiu-Lien Chu, Shu-Chen Liu, Ellen Chen, I-Hua Wen | Reporting from Europe 

Volunteers not only assessed disaster sites to bring care to the elderly but also hoped to ease their fears. On October 12, they held a gratitude tea gathering to express sincere care and blessings while honoring and thanking the rescue personnel. | Photo by Mei-Fong Lin | Portugal | 2024/10/12 

A Gathering of Gratitude Amidst Recovery 

In the wake of Portugal’s devastating wildfires in mid-September, Tzu Chi volunteers hosted a gratitude tea gathering on October 12 in São Pedro do Sul. The event brought together senior residents and firefighters, offering them comfort, recognition, and appreciation. With its serene and compassionate spirit, the gathering provided a moment of warmth, unity, and hope to those still reeling from the fires’ impact. 

The gathering was held at a local long-term care center and welcomed firefighters from heavily affected districts, including Sul, Covas do Rio, and São Martinho das Moitas. Many of the firefighters, attending such an event for the first time, expressed pride and gratitude for being recognized.  

Firefighters eagerly tried out the Jing Si Multipurpose Foldable Bed, which can hold up to 200 kilograms and can be used for sitting or lying down. | Photo by Mei-Fong Lin | Portugal | 2024/10/12 

Celebrating Resilience and Heroism 

Carlos Mendes, a local volunteer, hosted the event in Portuguese, introducing Tzu Chi’s mission and values. Community leaders, including Sul’s district chief Jose Ferreira and a civil protection official shared stories of personal sacrifice, such as a firefighter unable to return home to protect his family. These stories illustrated the courage and dedication of those who fought the fires. 

Tzu Chi volunteers demonstrated the Jing Si multipurpose folding bed designed for disaster situations, which sparked much enthusiasm among attendees. They also shared the story of the Bamboo Bank Era, emphasizing how small acts of kindness create a ripple effect of love. Inspired, residents joyfully gave with generosity, contributing donations to bamboo banks in support of Tzu Chi’s mission. 

Kindness and Culinary Creativity 

Local volunteers prepared a vegetarian feast that included dishes such as cabbage rolls filled with soy protein. Adda, the care center’s chef, extended her generosity beyond the kitchen by involving her family in the post-event clean-up. Her brother, Manuel Pinto, displayed his skill as a fruit sculptor, creating intricate carvings, including a watermelon adorned with the Tzu Chi logo. 

TOP: Manuel Pinto (third left), the director of a local care center, and his family helped clean up after the event. After watching Life Wisdom, he shared: “Life is short. We shouldn’t just talk but take action. Let’s make the most of our time to help others.” BOTTOM: Manuel Pinto displayed his fruit carving skills to decorate the venue, with a watermelon featuring the Tzu Chi logo as the highlight. | Photos by Mei-Fong Lin | Portugal | 2024/10/12 

The event concluded with attendees singing Tzu Chi’s song One Family while holding hands, symbolizing unity and resilience. Volunteers distributed gift bags containing Swiss chocolates, gummies, blessing envelopes, Jing Si Aphorisms in Portuguese, and symbolic apples of peace, embedding blessings and love into every detail. 

Planting Seeds of Hope 

The day after the tea gathering, volunteers visited areas severely affected by the fires to assess damage and provide emotional support. Among those they met was Nuno, a disabled farmer whose vegetable garden and chicken coop were destroyed, leaving his family struggling to prepare for winter. Volunteers offered him symbolic gifts of peace and words of encouragement to lift his spirits. 

The wildfire burned within ten meters of Nuno's (far left) home. While the house was spared, the vegetable garden and chicken coop were destroyed, a severe blow to his struggling family as they prepared for winter. | Photo by Mei-Fong Lin | Portugal | 2024/10/13 

The volunteers also reconnected with Tiago Silva, a young volunteer who had assisted Tzu Chi during their relief efforts in 2018. Now a university student studying electrical engineering in Lisbon, Tiago joined the recovery efforts with his family, showcasing the enduring impact of Tzu Chi’s mission. 

TOP: Volunteers presented a blessing gift to the grandfather of young volunteer Tiago Silva (right). BOTTOM: Tiago Silva (back row, fifth left) is studying electrical engineering at Lisbon’s top university. His family fully supports his involvement in Tzu Chi. | Photos by Mei-Fong Lin | Portugal |2024/10/13 

A Continuing Mission of Love 

Through gatherings like these and ongoing recovery efforts, Tzu Chi continues to inspire resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. By honoring heroes, supporting survivors, and fostering kindness, Tzu Chi is planting seeds of hope that will grow into a brighter future for communities in Portugal and beyond. 

A Legacy of Connection and Care 

Tzu Chi’s commitment to Portugal began in 2018, with relief efforts spanning several cities in Viseu District, including Vouzela, Tondela, and Oliveira de Frades. From disaster relief and case care to volunteer training and pandemic support, Tzu Chi’s love has continuously taken root, nurturing seeds of kindness that continue to grow. 

This enduring impact was evident when volunteers reconnected with Lurdes Fernandes, who works at Asao Disability Center. Lurdes had previously assisted Tzu Chi during a distribution in Oliveira and, inspired by the experience, shared, “Call me anytime for Tzu Chi work—I want to be a volunteer too.” 

Lurdes Fernandes (second left) reconnected with volunteers, keen to do more work with Tzu Chi in the future.| Photo courtesy of Mei-Fong Lin | Portugal | 2024/10/13 

Through years of unwavering care, Tzu Chi has not only provided tangible aid but also built relationships that inspire local participation, ensuring that compassion and hope continue to flourish in Portugal.