Page 4 - 20160818-Haiti booklet

ABOUT TZU CHI

MISSION
To alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable in society through humanitarian assistance
and education, empowering individuals and communities to become self-sustainable.

VISION
A world in which the vulnerable becomes empowered and finds the strength to help others
in need, forming a cycle of compassion and gratitude.

ORGANIZATION HISTORY
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a non-profit volunteer-based international non-
governmental organization with headquarters in San Dimas, California and 82 offices
in 28 states. The organization was established by a Buddhist nun, Dharma Master
Cheng Yen in 1966. Originally starting with a group of 30 female homemakers
who saved approximately 2 cents from their grocery budget each day to help the
less fortunate, Tzu Chi has now grown to over 7 million supporters in 70 countries

around the world. “Tzu Chi,” which literally means “Compassionate Relief,” is in
another sense, “to serve with compassion,” an act which is held true by all Tzu Chi
volunteers, individuals guided by the principles of kindness, compassion, joy, and
unconditional giving. The foundation has dedicated itself in the field of community
and social services, national and international disaster relief, medical and charitable
aid, education, environmental protection, bone marrow donor registry, and the
promotion of humanistic values and community volunteerism.

4