Tzu Chi donates 57,258 bags of rice to families in need over past 10 years | Soualiganewsday

SINT MAARTEN (CUL DE SAC) - Tzu Chi Taiwan's support through the "Love From Taiwan" Rice Donation Program has enabled the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Sint Maarten to assist 178,414 individuals and 64,620 families over the past ten years. The figures were highlighted during a visit by Ambassador Edward Ling Wen Tao, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, to the Tzu Chi Center on July 10. The generosity of Taiwan has resulted in 29 containers of Love Rice being delivered to Sint Maarten since 2016, providing relief to families throughout Sint Maarten and neighboring Caribbean islands. The foundation reported receiving 29 containers of Love Rice and distributing 57,258 bags of 10-kilogram rice. The program has assisted 64,620 families and benefited 178,414 individuals. In addition, 539 schools, churches, senior homes, shelters, and community institutions have received support through the initiative. Tzu Chi also reported 23,458 volunteer participations dedicated to serving communities through the program. According to the foundation, the rice donations have supported home visits, monthly relief distributions, emergency assistance efforts, schools, and charitable organizations throughout the region. Tzu Chi Foundation Sint Maarten, Commissioner Sandra Cheung said the donations represent more than food assistance. "Every bag of rice we distribute carries not only nourishment but also the compassion and friendship of Taiwan. On behalf of every family we have served and every volunteer who has dedicated their time, we offer our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Taiwan for walking this humanitarian path with us over the past ten years." Tzu Chi said it remains committed to continuing its humanitarian work and transforming Taiwan's support into assistance for families in need throughout the region.