Tzu Chi encourages giving to enrich both self and others
“The most joyful and fulfilling life is a life of giving.” – Jing Si Aphorism. Turning such noble words into true action, Tzu Chi Foundation stresses the importance and value of giving to health care.
“Medicine is one of our eight missions,” says Jane Wong, Vice Director, Richmond District, Tzu Chi Foundation. “That’s why we raise funds for Richmond Hospital. By hosting our garage sales, bottle drive and by distributing our bamboo banks to our members and students, we hope that everyone here will support our local hospital.”
Tzu Chi Foundation is an international charity founded in Taiwan in 1966 and since then has expanded to 372 offices in 47 countries worldwide. Tzu Chi Canada was established in 1992, with its head office in Vancouver. In Greater Vancouver, the number of volunteers in 2013 was nearly 40,000. The organization has deep community roots in Richmond and beyond with volunteer service that spans charity, medicine, education, culture, environmental protection, international relief, community volunteer service and bone marrow donation.
Over the past eight years, their donations to Richmond Hospital Foundation total more than $300,000. Their gifts have helped to fund operating room upgrades, an MRI machine for diagnostic imaging, emergency department improvements, mini- laparoscopic sets for minimally invasive surgery and most recently to fund a jaundice meter and spotlight upgrades required for the birth centre. “We understand hospitals have limited funds. The population of Richmond is growing rapidly. Equipment wears out and constantly needs replacement. To meet the current and future demands, more funding from the community is required,” says Jane. “Tzu Chi pays attention not only to the effectiveness of its aid and assistance. It also focuses on bringing out the good in everyone.” As a result, Jane says, “More people become willing to help out others while enriching themselves by contributing,” says Jane.
Richmond Hospital Foundation offers its heartfelt congratulations to Tzu Chi Foundation Canada as it celebrates the grand opening on Wednesday March 19 of its new Richmond office located at Unit 2160 on 8788 McKim Way.