On May 26, 2025, the Tzu Chi Youth Group (Tzu Shao) from the Portland Liaison Office of Tzu Chi's Northern California Chapter embarked on a three-and-a-half-hour journey to Blue River, Lane County, Oregon. Thirty-five youth, parents, and volunteers traveled to deliver sixteen "Care Packages" to the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District. This gesture of gratitude and blessing was for the volunteer firefighters who, five years after losing their homes in the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, continue to bravely serve their community.

Resilience Amidst Devastation

The devastating Holiday Farm Fire erupted on September 7, 2020, scorching over 170,000 acres in Lane County and leaving hundreds without homes. In the immediate aftermath, volunteers-initiated relief efforts. During an emergency distribution on November 1, 2020, a significant connection was made with Christianna Rainbow Plews, Fire Chief of the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District. Plews is affectionately known as "Fire Chief Rainbow," led a team of eighteen volunteer firefighters, eight of whom, including herself, had lost their homes. Despite their personal losses, they remained steadfast on the front lines, safeguarding their community.

Plews, hopeful yet cautious, applied for assistance for her team. She was surprised to learn that the aid offered was unconditional, stemming from genuine sincerity. When volunteers explained the spirit of the "Bamboo Bank Era"—saving small amounts daily and making a good wish, accumulating kindness into a powerful force— Plews was deeply moved. " Tzu Chi's cash card is like rain in the time of fires," she shared. "Though the cards will eventually lose their value, the spirit of the bamboo bank, the daily vow to make a difference, is an endless source of strength. "

In mid-November 2020, volunteers, accompanied by Plews, visited the severely affected areas. The fire had leveled vast stretches of the mountain community, destroying many volunteer firefighters' homes. As Plews drove, she pointed to familiar landscapes, now only remnants, saying, "This used to be a volunteer's home, and further ahead, that was someone's backyard..." Only surviving chimneys stood silently amidst the scorched earth, guarding past memories. This somber journey allowed the volunteers to grasp the reality of the disaster and understand that compassionate companionship and human warmth were crucial for rebuilding.

Acknowledging Selfless Service

Despite the remote disaster area, Plews and her firefighters had not actively sought assistance. She explained that for many volunteer firefighters, accepting aid was incredibly difficult; they were accustomed to giving selflessly. Volunteers understood this reluctance and communicated with gentleness and respect, conveying gratitude rather than offering charity. This approach ensured the smooth execution of the "Care Package Action" on May 26, 2025. "We are truly grateful that they gave us this opportunity to personally deliver our blessings and thanks," volunteers expressed.

On the day of the event, the Tzu Shao youths, parents, and volunteers arrived at the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District. They presented the volunteer firefighters with care packages and Jing Si Aphorism cards, all prepared by the students, conveying their deepest respect and gratitude. "The firefighters were very happy to receive the care packages. Your group is very special. You are welcome back anytime," said Jennifer Towards, a member of the Upper McKenzie Fire Station.

Following the presentation, the firefighters enthusiastically offered a hands-on firefighting experience for the Tzu Shao. The youth operated fire truck equipment, learned about smart CPR devices, and the use of fire-retardant materials. They even donned full firefighting gear, weighing over twenty kilograms, to simulate mountain rescue missions. Amidst sweat and awe, the children profoundly understood the arduousness, responsibility, and selflessness of a volunteer firefighter's work, and felt the dedication to protecting lives behind every training session.

Beyond Scenery, Human Connection

David Ho, father of a Tzu Shao youth, shared that central Oregon had long been a cherished family travel destination. The 2020 forest fire, however, reduced the riverside town of Blue River to ashes. Years later, learning of the continued care for the local volunteer firefighters, he felt compelled to bring his children back to the familiar river, to respond to memories with action. His family, along with the Tzu Shao team, prepared care packages and embarked on their journey.

The chief herself has a nursing background and provided us with a very detailed guided tour and description. From the fire truck and the ambulance to various emergency and fire prevention equipment, including the use of drones to locate hot spots in fire scenes, she explained everything in great detail,” Ho recalled. He initially worried about missing the waterfalls on the return trip, but seeing the genuine interaction between the children and the firefighters, and the sincere smiles on the firefighters' faces, any regret was replaced by a sense of fulfillment.

The waterfall will always be there, but such profound connections between people are not something one encounters on every journey. What the children learned here far exceeds the knowledge in textbooks. It was a real-life experience about life, empathy, gratitude, and action.— David Ho, Parent of Portland Tzu Chi Youth Group

Phoenix Rising, Love Endures

Pingjui Tsai (蔡秉叡), a Tzu Shao member, shared, "Although this was my first time visiting a place devastated by fire, I saw the community residents striving to rebuild, allowing us to witness how nature gradually heals. I am deeply grateful for the efforts of these volunteer firefighters and for the opportunity to learn from them."

Chieh Chien (簡潔), another Tzu Shao member, participated in a service activity deep in a disaster area for the first time, delivering blessings directly to the volunteer firefighters. She felt a profound sense of shock and emotion. " During this event, we gained a deeper understanding of firefighters’ work, daily responsibilities, and various rescue equipment, such as a CPR device and self-contained breathing apparatus." She personally put on the heavy firefighting gear, experiencing the arduousness of moving with over twenty kilograms of equipment. "Some firefighters are volunteers, while others are college students who use their summer break to engage in disaster relief. I asked one firefighter how she balances her studies with firefighting. She said it’s challenging, but it’s something she loves to do."

This was the most unforgettable Tzu Chi Youth Group volunteer event I have ever participated in. I felt the perseverance and selflessness in the volunteer firefighters.— Chieh Chien, Portland Tzu Shao Youth

At the end of the event, the Tzu Shao and firefighters took a group photo in front of a phoenix sculpture, crafted from burnt scrap metal. This artwork symbolized the community's creative response to the disaster and a memorial to rebirth. Behind the phoenix stood the newly rebuilt fire station, a testament to recovery; in front of it stood a group of Tzu Chi youth, bringing gratitude and blessings.

From emergency relief in 2020 to a renewed visit in 2025, the Portland Liaison Office continues to spread goodness and love through action. This was not merely an act of blessing but a profound "life education," allowing the Tzu Shao youths to grow through care and witness how a group of resilient fire heroes rose from the ashes.

Written by Janet Li (黎艷娟)

Source: 安心祝福包 波特蘭慈少送暖林火義消