Information provided by Tzu Chi USA
Compiled and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
In late October 2023, Category 5 Hurricane Otis slammed into Acapulco, a tourist destination in southern Mexico, leaving widespread devastation in its wake and taking at least 52 lives. In November, Tzu Chi volunteers assessed damage in two remote, impoverished areas and compiled lists of potential aid recipients. They were aided by local residents and sisters of the Consecrated Sisters of the Most Holy Savior.
A distribution effort was subsequently launched in early 2024. From January 5 to 7, Tzu Chi volunteers from the United States, Ecuador, Spain, and Argentina joined local volunteers in distributing cash cards to affected households. “Our hearts are with the hurricane victims,” said Wang Pei-wen (王姵文), a volunteer from Argentina. “They have our utmost support. We want affected families to understand that what we offer is not just material aid but also emotional support. They are not alone.”
Over 3,800 households benefited from the distributions, held at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima (Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Fátima). The cash cards allowed recipients to purchase essential items from partner stores, sufficient to sustain them for two months. Socorro Pérez Flores, an aid recipient, expressed deep gratitude for the assistance received from Tzu Chi. “To Master [Cheng Yen]—we’ll keep her here in our hearts,” she said with emotion.
