By Shu-li Lo 

Providing Support with Dignity 

As 2024 drew to a close, Tzu Chi’s Tijuana Center organized a winter distribution event on October 26 to assist families facing economic and health challenges. The event featured not only the distribution of essential supplies but also a gratitude concert by local performers, offering a rare moment of relaxation for participants. 

Care recipients included individuals with disabilities, families referred by local organizations, and students from the Hope Classroom program. Each case was carefully evaluated to ensure support met their unique needs. For those with mobility difficulties, volunteers arranged transportation to the event, eliminating barriers that might have prevented their participation. 

Tzu Chi Tijuana held a winter distribution event to help disadvantaged families stay warm through the winter. | Photo: Mandy Lo | Mexico | 2024/10/26

Moments of Connection and Relief 

For Rosalva Royavega, the event was an opportunity to reconnect with her community. Living with limited mobility after losing a leg to diabetes, Rosalva often feels isolated in her small hillside home. “Getting out of the house is a challenge,” she shared, reflecting on how her husband, who is elderly himself, used to carry her up the steep slope until it became too difficult. 

When volunteers arrived to assist her, Rosalva wasn’t aware of the concert planned for the day. “I am so grateful they came to invite me,” she said. With help from her husband and volunteers, she was brought to the event, where the music provided a much-needed escape from daily struggles. “I felt like I had a quiet, happy time—almost like a dream,” Rosalva expressed. 

LEFT: Volunteers delivered abundant supplies to individuals with disabilities who have difficulty moving. RIGHT: Volunteers solved transportation issues for Rosalva, who has mobility challenges. | Photos by Mandy Lo | Mexico | 2024/10/26 

Gratitude and Growth Through Music 

The gratitude concert brought together not just care recipients but also students from the Hope Classroom, who played an active role in the event. These students, many of whom are also care recipients, helped pack and distribute supplies while assisting those with mobility challenges. 

Tzu Chi volunteers invited a local orchestra to perform. | Photo: Mandy Lo | Mexico | 2024/10/26 

“Through this experience, the students learned to give back, gaining skills and a deeper understanding of gratitude and respect,” said a volunteer teacher. Their involvement highlighted the value of fostering mutual support within the community. 

Soillermina, another care recipient, also attended the event despite her mobility limitations. Referred by a local shelter, she has become a regular participant in Tzu Chi programs. “Coming here lifted the stress off me,” she said. “The music was beautiful, and I felt relaxed for the first time in a long while.” 

Soillermina hugged a volunteer with gratitude when they arrived to take her to the center. | Photo: Mandy Lo | Mexico | 2024/10/26

Nurturing Hope for Families 

For families like Jazmin Florescobos’, the support extended beyond the event itself. Jazmin’s eldest son, who has epilepsy, participates in the Hope Classroom program, where he receives an education adapted to his needs. “The teachers treat him like every other child, with warmth and respect,” Jazmin said. 

Unable to afford public school fees, Jazmin turned to homeschooling for her son, relying on the center’s resources and guidance. “He looks forward to coming to the Hope Classroom each week,” she added. “The support we’ve received has made such a difference, especially in his education.” 

Looking Ahead with Care 

The October winter distribution is just one of three year-end assistance events planned by the Tijuana Center, with upcoming efforts focused on food and clothing distributions and free medical services. These events aim to help families navigate the colder months with greater comfort and security. 

For care recipients like Rosalva, Soillermina, and Jazmin, the event was more than an act of charity—it was a reminder of community, connection, and the strength that comes from supporting one another.