Taiwan Ambassador visits Tzu Chi Center in St. Maarten

GREAT BAY--The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten welcomed Ambassador Edward Ling Wen Tao, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, during a special visit to the Tzu Chi Center on July 10.

Ambassador Tao was accompanied by Madame Ambassador Madeline Liao and their secretary. The delegation was received by Tzu Chi volunteers and presented with a Gratitude Card in recognition of Taiwan’s continued support through the “Love From Taiwan” Rice Donation Program.

According to the foundation, the visit provided volunteers with an opportunity to express their appreciation for the assistance received from the people and Government of Taiwan through Tzu Chi Headquarters in Taiwan.

“The visit was not simply a diplomatic courtesy. It was a heartfelt opportunity for Tzu Chi St. Maarten volunteers to express their deepest gratitude for the compassion of the people and Government of Taiwan. Through Tzu Chi Headquarters in Taiwan, this generosity has crossed oceans and, over the past ten years, has been transformed into food, hope, and dignity for thousands of families throughout St. Maarten and neighboring Caribbean islands.”

During the visit, Ambassador Tao toured the Tzu Chi Center, viewed photographs documenting ten years of humanitarian work and received information about how rice donations have supported vulnerable families, senior citizens, children and community organizations throughout St. Maarten and the wider region.

Volunteers also shared stories about individuals and families whose lives have been positively affected through assistance made possible by donations from Taiwan.

Speaking on behalf of Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten, Commissioner Sandra Cheung thanked the Government and people of Taiwan for their continued support.

“Every bag of rice we distribute carries not only nourishment but also the compassion and friendship of Taiwan. On behalf of every family we have served and every volunteer who has dedicated their time, we offer our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Taiwan for walking this humanitarian path with us over the past ten years.”

The foundation said the visit highlighted the friendship between Taiwan and the people of St. Maarten, as well as a shared commitment to assisting people regardless of race, nationality or religion.

As Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten begins its next decade of service, the organization said it remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to families and communities in need.

“Compassion knows no borders, and love unites us all.”

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