By Fernanda Wu, Hsiu-Lien Chu | South America

The 2024 New Year Blessing and Gratitude Ceremony was a success, with volunteers and guests taking a group photo. | Photo courtesy of Ching-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/03/03

Strength Through Unity

On March 3, 2024, Tzu Chi volunteers in Chile held a "New Year Blessing and Gratitude Ceremony," with nearly 120 attendees participating in this warm and touching event. The ceremony was hosted by Shu-Chen Chen and local volunteer Cesar. | Photo courtesy of Ching-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/03/03

Despite having few volunteers, Tzu Chi Chile has built strong relationships, supporting nursing homes, schools, and underprivileged communities. To thank their supporters and wish for a peaceful new year, volunteers held a "New Year Blessing and Gratitude Ceremony" on March 3, attended by 120 guests.

Disaster Relief Efforts

The event, hosted by Shu-Chen Chen and local volunteer Cesar, began with Fernanda Wu, head of the Santiago Office, thanking attendees and addressing February's devastating wildfires, particularly in Viña del Mar. "Tzu Chi is preparing a large distribution. We hope everyone can join us in helping these survivors," she urged.

Expressions of Gratitude

Many long-time friends came to express their thanks. Twelve elderly residents from the San Francisco Nursing Home attended despite mobility challenges. "We are grateful you didn't abandon us, but continued to accompany and care for us," they shared.

LEFT: Tzu Chings (Tzu Chi youth volunteers) and local volunteers donned fruit and vegetable costumes to perform "Vegetarian Diet is the Best."‌ ‌RIGHT: Jorge, Principal of Escuela República de Grecia (right), and his wife and child joyfully attended the blessing and gratitude ceremony. | Photos courtesy of Ching-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/03/03

Jorge, principal of Escuela República de Grecia, thanked Tzu Chi for supporting healthy cooking classes, donating garden tools and workshop equipment, and helping special needs students find employment.

Elsa, a social worker at Colegio San Gregorio de la Salle, recalled how Tzu Chi provided timely aid to 200 families during the pandemic, and assisted with medical needs and vision care. "Words cannot express our gratitude," she said, praising volunteers like Ching-Chiu Liao and Fernanda Wu.

LEFT: Volunteer Eugenia (left) from the school’s hot meal program donates to show her gratitude to Tzu Chi for helping underprivileged families.‌ ‌RIGHT: Tzu Chi volunteers in Chile promoted vegetarianism by preparing plant-based meals and fruits for attendees. | Photos courtesy of Ching-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/03/03

Eugenia, a volunteer at the school’s hot meal program, appreciated three years of economic support and gifts for special occasions from Tzu Chi. "I will continue this connection of love," she affirmed.

Danilo, a social worker from Liceo Inteco, detailed Tzu Chi's aid: "In 2022, Tzu Chi helped 100 families, in 2023, 150, and supported a colleague affected by fire. We are deeply grateful."

Karla, from Fernando de Aragon Scout Group, thanked Tzu Chi for donating glasses to underprivileged children, enabling more to participate in activities.

Alicia, head of Fundacion Reñma, presented handmade crafts from the children's workshop to Tzu Chi, which Fernanda Wu then passed on to Ambassador Silvia Liu and President Ji-Ru Yang, spreading love further.

Raising Funds for Fire Survivors

Volunteer Paola, a university student who joined Tzu Chi in high school, shared her joy in visiting nursing homes and participating in meaningful activities. "The elders' enthusiastic responses are unforgettable," she said, hoping their performance encourages more to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle.

Victor and Jas, volunteers and employees at Jas Optics, provide glasses to children, especially students, thanking Tzu Chi for the opportunity to serve. "Giving is not just for the wealthy but for those with a heart," they stated.

Jacqueline, a local volunteer, appreciated Tzu Chi's donation of supplies to wildfire survivors. "Pooling small efforts creates great assistance for disaster survivors," she said, thanking all young volunteers involved in the February 24 distribution.

A Family of Love

LEFT: Fernanda Wu (second from left), head of the Santiago Office, presented gifts from Alicia (right), head of Fundacion Reñma, to Ambassador Silvia Liu (center) and President Ji-Ru Yang (second from right), hoping to spread the love further.‌ ‌RIGHT: President Ji-Ru Yang of the Chilean Chinese Association praised Tzu Chi’s significant contributions to Chile, donating one million pesos (approx. USD 1,058) to help those affected by the devastating wildfires. | Photos courtesy of Ching-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/03/03

As the event neared its end, the song "One Family" played, reinforcing a sense of unity. The highlight was a fundraising activity for wildfire survivors, where President Yang donated a million pesos (approx. USD 1,058), and Ambassador Silvia Liu contributed, noting Taiwan's continued support.

Volunteers like Juan, who helped with disaster assessment, also donated, expressing, "We are one big, wonderful family, full of blessings." The fundraising effort raised 7,110,000 pesos (approx. USD 7,622).

Heartfelt Gifts and Farewell

LEFT: As the ceremony ended, Fernanda Wu (right) and volunteer Cecilia distributed red envelopes of blessings to the distinguished guests.‌ ‌RIGHT: Twelve elderly residents from the San Francisco Nursing Home, despite mobility issues, dressed up and attended the event. They expressed their gratitude to Tzu Chi for not abandoning them and for their continued care and companionship. | Photos courtesy of Ching-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/03/03

The event concluded with Fernanda Wu and volunteer Cecilia distributing red envelopes filled with blessings, while the Tzu Chings handed out keepsakes to everyone. Volunteers also prepared vegetarian meals and fruits, ensuring that attendees left the event both nourished and uplifted.

Afterward, volunteers swiftly cleaned the venue. Elderly guests from the San Francisco Nursing Home bid a heartfelt farewell, capturing memories with volunteer Ching-Chiu Liao, who always works diligently behind the scenes.

Tzu Chi volunteers in Chile continue to cultivate love and kindness in this southernmost country, making the world a better place. Volunteers worldwide are proud of their efforts.