By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S.
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has provided essential emergency relief to over 500 individuals affected by devastating fires in three Freetown communities: Kroo Bay, Blackhall Road, and Congo Town. This humanitarian effort is aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by those impacted by the recent disasters.
Beneficiaries received vital food supplies, including rice, multigrain, onions, seasoning cubes, palm oil, and vegetable oil. Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Programs Manager of Caritas Freetown, expressed empathy for the affected families, stating, “Fire disasters are sorrowful because when they occur, no matter how much we give, it can never replenish what has been lost.” He conveyed the heartfelt greetings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Founder of the Tzu Chi Foundation, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to extend love and compassion to those in need during difficult times.
Margaret Bassie, the Tzu Chi Foundation’s representative in Sierra Leone, noted that the three communities had recently experienced fire incidents. “We have decided to show them love and compassion by donating relief items,” she said, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing response to emergencies in Sierra Leone. “These supplies are impactful in the lives of the beneficiaries, especially during the rainy season,” Bassie added.
Gerald King, Regional Coordinator for the Western Region at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), expressed sympathy for the affected residents and encouraged them to share the received items with family members. “We thank the Tzu Chi Foundation for their continuous support. They always complement the government’s efforts, which may not have a readily available budget to respond immediately to disasters,” he stated.
Mariam Kamara, a resident of Kroo Bay and one of the beneficiaries, fought back tears as she expressed her gratitude. “I want to thank Dharma Master. Had it not been for her, we would have lost face in society,” she said. Currently without a place to sleep, Kamara and her family are temporarily staying at a mosque. She expressed relief after receiving food support, stating, “This has eliminated hunger for my children and me for the following weeks,” and offered her heartfelt thanks to the Tzu Chi Foundation and its volunteers.
This act of kindness once again underscores the power of compassion and the significant impact of humanitarian efforts in helping disaster victims rebuild their lives amid loss and uncertainty.
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