“Save Lives Now; Send Your Love to Sichuan”

May 13, 2008: Tzu Chi volunteers across US are raising funds and well wishes.

On May 12, 2008, a magnitude-7.9 earthquake shook central China and caused devastating damaged. As of May 13, 2008, death toll exceeds 12,000 with thousands more injured or still missing. Tzu Chi Foundation has been monitoring disaster news closely while developing disaster assessment and relief operation channels. Tzu Chi assessment team organized by local volunteers already enters the quake's impacted area to begin delivery of relief aid. To support the relief operation, Tzu Chi volunteers in US are raising dedicated funds for the recovery and rebuilding process that is going to continue into a long term project.

Monday's quake in China is about the same magnitude as the 1906 San Francisco quake that destroyed more than 500 city blocks, according to Channel 13 NewsHour. Meteorologists observe more than 300 aftershocks; intensity of the destruction can only be imagined. When Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, heard of the earthquake and its severity in destruction, she was overtaken by extreme grief several times in her remarks to the worldwide volunteers. She is calling everyone to alleviate pain for the ones who are suffering and struggling to survive because as members of the global village, it is our responsibility to care for and to help victims of the earthquake.

Tzu Chi is also a registered local charity foundation in China as of March 2008. Working closely with local government agencies, charity organizations, and local volunteers, Tzu Chi has setup a disaster command post to collect developing news and to initiate disaster assessment and relief operation. Tzu Chi volunteers is commencing with disaster assessment and relief aid distribution, including 42,000 blankets, food, and medicine.

In US, Tzu Chi has begun to raise fund for those affected by this tragedy. Starting from May 17, 2008, Tzu Chi US volunteers will walk out into the public to collect donations and to raise well wishes. Master Cheng Yen encourages everyone to keep these who are suffering and struggling in their thoughts and prayers. Let us pray sincerely and wish that there is love among people, peace in society, and a world free from disasters. Humanitarian efforts evolve from simple well wishes. Gathering of everyone’s kind thoughts can become the greatest strength in saving others.

To donate:

lPlease make your check payable to Tzu Chi and mail to Tzu Chi Foundation, 1100 S. Valley Center Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773.

lCredit card donation is accepted by calling 1-888-9TZUCHI (1-888-989-8244).

lA designated Sichuan Relief account has been set up in Cathay Bank. Please sent your donation to Cathay Bank (ABA 122203950) located at 777 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Our account is Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation USA, located at 1100 S. Valley Center Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773, and the account number is 01-130005.

Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, is calling everyone to alleviate pain for the ones who are suffering and struggling to survive because as members of the global village, it is our responsibility to care for and to help victims of the earthquake.

Tzu Chi Foundation will host a press conference for our fund-raising campaign. You are cordially invited to join us.

Date : May 16, 2008

Time : 11 AM

Location : Tzu Chi Medical Foundation USA,

10414 Vacco St. Suite B, S. El Monte, CA 91733

Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, USA www.tzuchi.org

Press Contact: Han Huang 909-447-7941 (o) 626-383-5368 (c)

Program

11:00 AMarrival

11:15 AMopening remark

Dr. William Keh, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation USA

11:20 AMvideo

11:25 AMsharing/Guest Speaking

11:45 AMQ and A

About Tzu Chi

Tzu Chi is a volunteer-led charitable organization providing humanitarian aid, spiritual care and medical services to families and communities locally and internationally. Tzu Chi means “serving with compassion.” Tzu Chi focuses on four major service areas: charitable services, medical services, education and humanitarian development.

Recently, Tzu Chi distributed more than $4 million in financial assistance to more than 22,000 families left displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Each family was met by Tzu Chi volunteers and families received financial assistance given to them directly by volunteers. Assistance locations include Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Indianapolis and Kansas City.

Tzu Chi’s medical services are provided based on the Buddhist principles of respect for life and compassion for all. Since services began, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Free Clinic has served more than 120,000 patients regardless of their insurance status or their ability to pay. It welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities.

In the United States, Tzu Chi has 60 offices located in 28 states to serve local communities.