By Yanxin Pu and Meizhen Qian
Edited by Yu-Chen Pan

With the recent wildfires devastating Southern California, they have claimed not only homes and property but also a sense of security for countless families. Among those affected are Tzu Chi volunteers Ruzhen Wu and her husband, Shouliang Huang, who lost their Pacific Palisades home of more than 40 years. Yet, instead of focusing on their own loss, the couple immediately joined the disaster relief efforts, embodying a spirit of resilience and selflessness.

Their actions deeply moved Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who commended the couple during a disaster relief press conference. “What moved me most was this woman who lost her home and is now living with her daughter. When I asked her what services she needed, she told me she was here to volunteer. This is the epitome of the Los Angeles spirit—selflessness and resilience,” the mayor remarked. “We will overcome this wildfire and rebuild our homes together.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commended Wu and Huang during a disaster relief press conference, calling them a model of Los Angeles spirit—selfless and unwavering. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

Tzu Chi Steps In to Support Affected Families

The Southern California wildfires, fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds, left a trail of destruction across the region. In response, the Los Angeles government established disaster recovery centers at UCLA’s West Research Campus and in Pasadena, pooling resources from government agencies and community organizations to provide emergency aid to those in need.

Despite losing their home to the flames, Wu and Huang did not arrive at the recovery centers seeking assistance. Instead, they signed up as volunteers to help others. Reflecting on their experience, Huang shared, “When we saw the fire, I made a call and said, ‘It’s over. Our entire house is gone. Everything burned to ashes. All we have left are the clothes on our backs.’” Their determination to serve others in the face of their personal loss has inspired many.

Mobilizing Resources for Relief and Recovery

Tzu Chi USA volunteers have mobilized to the disaster recovery centers, ensuring timely assistance for families affected by the wildfires. Debra Bordeaux, CEO of Tzu Chi USA, announced that the organization would maintain a presence at these centers for 30 days, helping families register for aid. Whether a home was completely destroyed, partially damaged, or other fire-related hardships arose, Tzu Chi is committed to providing the necessary support.

Tzu Chi USA volunteers stationed at the disaster recovery center provided timely assistance to wildfire-affected residents. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

Meanwhile, the Hua Shia Buddhist Association in Monterey Park has mobilized resources from across the region, donating supplies to bolster Tzu Chi’s disaster relief efforts. Venerable An Zheng praised the organization’s work, saying, “Tzu Chi not only provides essential supplies but also focuses on post-disaster recovery and follow-up assistance. Their efforts are truly inspiring and deeply appreciated.”

The Hua Shia Buddhist Association in Monterey Park has also gathered supplies from various locations to donate to Tzu Chi for wildfire relief efforts. (Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation)

A Call for Compassionate Action

In response to the disaster, Master Cheng Yen urged Tzu Chi volunteers in the U.S. to take proactive steps in reaching out to affected residents. “Bodhisattvas appear wherever there is suffering, not waiting to be called but responding to the need,” she reminded. “We must not wait for people to seek help from us, but take timely action to help relieve suffering.”

Master Cheng Yen further emphasized that what’s most important at this moment is for everyone to pray with utmost sincerity and adopt a plant-based diet—not only for the U.S. but for the entire world.