LOS ANGELES, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- In the aftermath of central China's earthquake, up to 50,000 people are thought to have lost their lives, and over 150,000 were injured. An estimated 10 million people have been affected, with 4 million who have lost their homes. With great sorrow for these widespread losses and suffering, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated an additional US$30,000, for a total of US$50,000. With contributions from Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association members worldwide, the relief assistance totals US$160,000. Our relief teams in China have raised several thousand US dollars of their own for additional supplies, as well as to cover their transportation and personal expenses. The relief team has been on the ground in the most affected areas and has provided exclusive reports to Supreme Master Television.

On May 12th, a strong earthquake struck Sichuan Province. It was raining heavily in Chengdu that day with aftershocks from time to time, but our Association members started off toward the disaster-struck area of Pengzhou City. The bridge to Pengzhou was damaged and victims were being urgently transferred by trucks from the mountain areas. Seeing our eagerness to help, the policemen instructed us to drive to Pengzhou vegetable market where over 4,000 victims were temporarily sheltered. Red Cross volunteers helped us to unload the truck and distribute relief items to the victims.

Later, our Association relief team bought another two truckloads of relief items for the Mianzhu disaster area. At our base more rescue workers arrived and our Association members quickly prepared relief materials for the next day's schedule.

As international relief is being rushed to the quake survivors, Supreme Master Ching Hai wants to convey this message of gratitude to all governments, organizations and relief workers from every corner of the world: "Thank you, all the international help that brings care and necessities to afflicted victims. Thank you all the relief workers for taking time and forsaking your own comfort, even traveling great distance on unfavorable roads and conditions to bring love and assistance to people in time of need. May Heaven bless you abundantly for your generosity and noble sacrifice."

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association is a non-profit organization with worldwide members from all cultural backgrounds. For over two decades, Supreme Master Ching Hai and her Association have devoted considerable efforts toward providing humanitarian relief to disaster victims and the less fortunate, as well as promoting sustainable lifestyle choices such as vegetarianism, meaning an animal-free diet, which benefits our planet and all her inhabitants.

This news was broadcast on Supreme Master Television's Noteworthy News. Supreme Master Television is a constructive television channel currently broadcasting 24/7 via 14 satellite platforms worldwide.

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SOURCE Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association