By Hsiu-Ling Wu & Chyi-Fen Lin | Brazil 

To carry out a three-day disaster relief distribution, Tzu Chi volunteers from around the world came together, braving long distances to form the Brazil Relief Team. They brought hope and set sail to support disaster survivors. | Photo by Hector | Brazil 

 Relentless rains in April 2024 devastated Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul region, resulting in catastrophic floods that claimed 172 lives and displaced nearly 580,000 people. In response, Tzu Chi mobilized an international relief effort, uniting volunteers from multiple countries to bring aid and hope to the affected communities. 

Mobilizing Love Across Nations 

LEFT: Argentinian volunteer Helena Hung (right) and her husband, Dr. Chung-Chen Kao (third from right), were the first to arrive in São Paulo on November 15. RIGHT: Before boarding, volunteers reunited with airport staff member Marcos (center) and saw he had attached the gifted charm to his badge. | Photos by Chi-Fen Lin | Brazil 

Undeterred by long distances, limited resources, and language barriers, Tzu Chi volunteers from Argentina, Ecuador, the U.S., Spain, and Brazil joined forces. Their shared mission: to deliver aid to over 2,000 households during a three-day relief distribution from November 22 to 24. 

LEFT: International volunteers gathered to collaborate with their Brazilian counterparts, reviewing distribution details to ensure every aspect of the event was perfectly planned. RIGHT: The relief team met with local community partners, including representatives from São Leopoldo, to finalize the distribution process and address any concerns. | Photos by Qi-Fen Lin | Brazil 

On November 15, volunteers began arriving at the São Paulo liaison office, turning the modest three-story building into a hub of love and collaboration. During these preparations, they also connected with local communities by sharing their mission of compassion, even touching the lives of airport staff along the way. 

Healing Bodies and Souls 

Coinciding with the team’s arrival, Tzu Chi’s São Paulo office hosted its bi-monthly free clinic, offering vital care to over 300 patients. Medical professionals provided treatments ranging from general medicine to acupuncture, while volunteers prepared nutritious vegetarian meals, nourishing both body and spirit. 

The clinic wasn’t just about physical healing. Volunteers promoted vegetarianism, shared warm meals, and supported refugees from countries like Venezuela and Afghanistan, embodying Tzu Chi’s philosophy of holistic care. 

The free clinic not only alleviated ailments but also served heartwarming vegetarian meals, spreading love through wholesome dishes. | Photo by Qi-Fen Lin | Brazil

Overcoming Challenges Together 

The journey continued beyond São Paulo, as the team traveled to Porto Alegre near the disaster zone. Here, late-night meetings with local partners and community representatives ensured every aspect of the distribution was meticulously planned, bridging cultural and linguistic divides with a shared commitment to serve.  

Representatives from the Eldorado Do Sul and São Leopoldo regions worked closely with volunteers to ensure every detail of the relief operations was seamless. This spirit of unity turned challenges into opportunities, reflecting Tzu Chi’s guiding principle: where there is love, nothing is impossible. 

Hope Beyond Borders 

By November 17, the international team was fully assembled. Their diversity highlighted the universal language of love, with volunteers from various nations uniting under Tzu Chi’s banner. Simple gestures—like exchanging small gifts and sharing meals—created deep connections and gratitude among the group. 

This global coalition became a symbol of hope for Brazil’s flood survivors. Volunteers weren’t just providing material aid; they were delivering compassion and solidarity, helping survivors find strength in the midst of despair. 

Toward a Brighter Tomorrow 

After reaching a consensus, U.S. volunteer Martin Kuo (left) presented gifts from the Tzu Chi USA, showing that love knows no boundaries. | Photo by Qi-Fen Lin | Brazil 

As the three-day distribution began, the relief mission became a shared journey of renewal for both volunteers and survivors. The team’s efforts proved a profound truth: while borders may divide nations, compassion unites humanity in rebuilding hope. Through their unwavering efforts, Tzu Chi volunteers proved that even in the face of adversity, kindness and determination can light the path to recovery and renewal.