On October 29th of 2012, Hurricane Sandy blew into the North Eastern United States, causing flooding, loss of power, and property destruction on an unprecedented scale. The next day, the members of the Tzu Chi Buddhist organization began mobilizing its members to help. Over the last five months, the foundation has donated a large amount of hot food, blankets, and money to the victims while volunteers have converged on the disaster zones and have been tirelessly helping families in need in their efforts to rebuild. Tzu Chi members abroad have also been raising funds to help with the disaster relief while members in North America have gathered in New York and New Jersey to cooperate and aid in whatever way they can.

In order to educate more people about the aftermath of this enormous natural disaster, the relief efforts that have been taking place, and the amazing outpouring of love that has fueled all of the volunteer work, the New York branch of Tzu Chi is holding a photo exhibit at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY, 1 East 42nd St) beginning on March 25, 2013. The exhibit, titled “Great Love in Action: Tzu Chi Foundation Sandy Relief Photo Journal,” depicts Tzu Chi volunteers collecting funds, distributing emergency supplies, and helping disaster victims in their recovery efforts.

According to the Foundation, all of the pictures in the exhibit were taken by Tzu Chi volunteers as they went with disaster relief groups into the areas hardest hit by Sandy, photo documenting the slow process of recovery for posterity. The photos also show that Tzu Chi has held 38 large scale distribution events to provide financial assistance for the victims. Over 4,000 volunteers have already worked to help 18,000 families in their efforts to rebuild while the foundation has committed $10 million towards Hurricane relief, helping those most in need get through the hardest months following the disaster.

The opening ceremony for the exhibit was held at 2pm on March 25, 2013 and was attended by the Vice Director of the New York Tzu Chi Foundation, Yang Shi-bai, the Director General of TECO-NY, Ambassador Andrew Kao, and New York City Councilman, Peter Koo. At the ceremony, Ambassador Kao commended Tzu Chi’s tireless work in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and expressed his hope that the exhibit would help educate the public and show the extent of the love and support shown by Tzu Chi volunteers. Peter Koo presented the Foundation with a commemorative plaque, thanking them on behalf of the citizens of New York for their good works and contributions. In addition, New York State senator Ruben Diaz expressed her support for the exhibition and well wishes for its success through a representative present at the ceremony.

A victim of Hurricane Sandy, John Reyes, was also in attendance. He said that he was very moved after seeing the Tzu Chi volunteers enthusiastically helping and distributing emergency supplies and resolved to join in the relief efforts and help other victims of the disaster. An open letter from the head of the Tzu Chi foundation was also read during the ceremony, expressing hope that the victims of Hurricane Sandy who received help from Tzu Chi would be inspired to help others in the future and that the photo exhibit would touch people’s hearts. ‘)}