Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has lasted over a year. Tzu Chi cannot bear to see this. Master Cheng Yen called on everyone to harbor great love in their hearts toward all beings.
Be by Your Side
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes; over a year later, many are still unable to return. Tzu Chi cannot bear to see this. With great love, the Foundation’s assistance to the Ukrainian people will continue and grow.
Since April 2022, Tzu Chi has been working with international NGOs to mobilize volunteers from 12 countries and regions, totaling over 2,000 volunteer participations, to provide living allowances and regular visits and care. In February, Tzu Chi expanded its services to include dental checkups and treatment.
Dental Service
In February, lying on the chair for a pre-admission checkup, Ukrainian refugees in Poland received dental care from Polish volunteers. The medical team included medical student Olena from Ukraine who was happy to serve her fellow countrymen.
She said: "In the dental volunteer service, we provided treatment for four children. In the future, we hope to help even more children so that their lives in Poland can be more convenient."
Distribution As Usual
The Polish volunteer team continues to launch new services to care for Ukrainian refugees and distribute the monthly living allowance as usual. The refugees have been away from their homeland for over a year and have gradually become accustomed to their lives in a foreign land.
Ukrainian refugee Yulia felt grateful: "Thank you for Tzu Chi's support and help over the past year. With your assistance, we are able to live in a foreign land with less difficulty and gradually get back on track. We truly appreciate you."
Infinite Kindness
Looking back over more than 300 days, the Ukrainian people were forced to leave their homes due to the conflict. Based on the principle of humanitarian aid, Tzu Chi started cooperation with international NGOs from the beginning of the war. Assistance was provided in neighboring Poland, ranging from emergency relief to follow-up long-term care. Over the course of one year, over 80,000 refugees have received assistance.
Ukrainian refugee Vetta said, "I have two children, one of whom has special needs. Our life is very difficult, and you (Tzu Chi) have not only helped us once. I am very grateful to you, and your kindness is infinite."
Do Their Best
When Ukrainian refugees flooded into Poland and were placed in different cities, the number of Tzu Chi European volunteers was limited. However, with the support of volunteers from Turkiye, the United States, Taiwan, and other places, they continued to provide care and support for refugees in five cities -- the capital Warsaw, the border city of Lubin, the western city of Poznań, the northwestern city of Szczecin, and the southwestern city of Opole. Some business owners even mobilized their own employees to participate in person in distributing aid.
The efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers in caring for refugees are not limited to Poland. Some have resettled in the United States, Canada, and Australia -- local volunteers have welcomed them with open arms. As long as refugees have needs, Tzu Chi volunteers do their best to meet them. They want to allow the refugees in a foreign land to have the same sense of stability as in their hometown.
Plan Love in Heart
A Jing Si Aphorism says: “Weeds do not easily grow in a field planted with vegetables. Evil does not easily arise in a heart filled with goodness.”
Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi, encouraged her disciples with these words: “Our world is truly beautiful. We ought to return to love, selfless Great Love. One must have love for one another.”
Imagine that, when we give love and bring people’s love together, how peaceful our world can be! Therefore, to have peace for the world, every person in every country ought to have the concept of peace for the world. Let us harbor Great Love to all beings.
Join Tzu Chi. Let us work together.
