Page 44 - Tzu Chi Q&A_First Edition

Apart from winter aid distributions, before major 2-6
holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, the end
of Ramadan, or other important festivals in countries How are Tzu Chi’s winter aid distributions
where Tzu Chi volunteers live, the local volunteers conducted?
will bring aid supplies and gifts to those in need to Every year, before winter comes, Tzu Chi volunteers
wish them a happy holiday. across the world will visit those in need from door
to door to see what aid they may need to tide them
over the winter. After assessment, the volunteers will
Tzu Chi volunteers in Bat-
am Island, Indonesia give then make a roster of the needy, purchase supplies,
out aid supplies to those and hold distribution events or personally bring the
in need before the end of
Ramadan. supplies to people.
(Tzu Chi Batam, Indonesia)
In some countries, such as Japan, Canada, the U.S.,
Australia, and New Zealand, Tzu Chi volunteers give
out winter aid supplies not only to low-income fam-
ilies, but also to the homeless. After the Syrian Civil
War broke out, Tzu Chi volunteers also hold winter
aid distributions for Syrian refugees. In 2016, Tzu Chi
held winter aid distributions in 24 countries and re-
gions around the globe, benefiting 201,354 families.

Parents choose gifts for their children at a distribution event co-or-
ganized by Tzu Chi Toronto, Canada and a local food bank to give out
aid supplies to low-income families before Christmas Day. (Li Jia-xiang)

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