Ministry of Foreign Affairs Presents Certificate of Gratitude to Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation
On March 2, 2016, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin (林永樂部長) presented the certificate of gratitude to DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation, among other NGOs, for its long-term contribution to the government’s efforts in humanity care and environmental protection, thereby promoting Taiwan’s participation in international cooperation affairs. Mrs. Ko Bi-Yao（柯碧瑤女士）, deputy chairperson of the Foundation, attended the award ceremony, in which she expressed appreciation to the public for their support while encouraging DDM to keep learning and further devote itself to the benefit of people and society.
According to the Foundation, regarding the aid for the earthquake that hit Tainan on February 6, 2016, DDM would provide expenses to the Kun-Shan Elementary School, located in the precinct of the collapsed buildings, for the reconstruction of their damaged buildings. Meanwhile, the Foundation has been working in close collaboration with Tainan City government to offer services to disaster victims.
Lee Wen-Liang (李文良), head of Songjiao Village, Guanmiao District, Tainan City, said that the earthquake caused many old buildings to collapse, so the residents would need help to calm their bodies and minds, as well as to clean up the affected area. Upon learning the news, DDM’s monastics and volunteers immediately went into action by offering care and comfort to the victims, and assistance to clean up the disaster-hit village. Lee sent an email message from the villagers that read: “Thank you for all the help from Dharma Drum Mountain. We are grateful to you for all your assistance to our Songjiao Village. Because of you, our
society is a better place.”
Text by DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (法鼓山慈基會)
Translated by Kate Wan-chi Huang (黃婉琪)
Edited by Chiacheng Chang (張家誠)