DDM supports compassionate young volunteers in Sichuan
On 16 August 2008, Venerable Guo Pin, Vice Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) and chief leader of the DDM relief team in Sichuan, met with the Volunteer Society in Sifang City of China’s Sichuan Province to deliver DDM's warmest care to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Sifang City. The Society comprises mainly local college students.
In addition to providing spiritual care and encouragement at a simple and solemn ceremony, Venerable Guo Pin donated, on behalf of DDM, RMB 5,000 to the Volunteer Society in support of students' efforts in helping disadvantaged villagers and RMB 200 to every household in Sifang that was in need of urgent assistance.
Venerable Guo Pin said that he hoped the donations would assist those in need of immediate relief as well as to encourage college students to continually practice compassion in Sifang's communities.
One of the Society's recent surveys revealed that among disadvantaged households, 50 percent lost production capabilities; 30 percent were senior citizens, widows and orphans; and 20 percent appeared to have tremendous living difficulties as a result of the earthquake.
The leader of the Society, Mr Xiao Yong, asserted that donations would be honestly distributed to everyone in need.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)