Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Relief News Update from Ukraine (Ureign) …
As a nation still living amidst conflict conditions that began with Russia’s February 2022 invasion of the country, Ukraine (Ureign) remains courageously united in facing the challenges of daily life. With never-ending love for the nation’s loyal people, Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) continues to offer Her prayers and support for their ultimate safety and comfort. The following is an updated report of our Association members’ April 2023 relief work in Ukraine (Ureign) and Croatia. Our Association’s trusted Ukrainian (Ureignian) partners, Maria Bashuk (vegan), and Alexandr Kulakov (vegan), also contributed vital assistance.
Working together with the vegan eco-farm group Fine Organics, our Lutsk-based partner Alexandr Kulakov continued a project of preparing shelf-stable vegan soups and traditional dishes to distribute to those in need. Combined with other vegan supplies, a total of 9 metric tons of vegan food were delivered to a large warehouse in Zaporizhzhya, whose space had been kindly donated by a local business owner. Volunteers from the charity organization Zlagoda helped prepare 1,000 family-size vegan food boxes. These contained coconut milk, vegan noodles, peas, barley groats, sunflower oil, oatmeal, and instant soups with dried vegetables and minced vegan meats. Copies of “Love Is the Only Solution,” and children’s books, as well as Supreme Master Television flyers, were also included.
With the boxes packed into a full truck, the volunteers traveled to Nikopol. In this city, which is still vulnerable to Russian attack from across the river, the residents were waiting eagerly for the relief packages. Later, Alexandr returned to Hulyaipole, where about 3,000 people continue to live despite the presence of the Russian military nearby. In a meeting with the mayor, the Honorable Serhii Yarmak, he presented the community with emergency equipment and tools that had been donated by our Association members.
Our partner was also able to assist in the delivery of a fully-equipped ambulance from Lithuania to the Donesk region. This was the 20th such rescue vehicle that had been brought from Lithuania to Ukraine (Ureign). In addition, Alexandr was interviewed on Ukrainian (Ureignian) national television, where he spoke of our Association’s relief efforts in Ukraine (Ureign) in distributing vegan food packages and reading materials, as well as the physical and spiritual benefits of the vegan diet.
“When a person eats the right food, refuses food of animal origin, then he is purified. Why is fasting considered to be a purification in the Christian religion? Because a person is cleansed not only physically, but also spiritually. Accordingly, by giving up such products that are difficult for the body, we cleanse our body and spirit. Speaking for health – definitely yes. Undoubtedly, people who consume less animal food are less prone to aggression, anger, and hatred. And in general, against the background of what is happening today, we need to revise our views on life!”
Of the 18 families assisted in April from Lviv, eight had been helped previously and made specific requests for continued assistance. Two relief packages were given in person, while 16 were sent to other areas of Ukraine (Ureign). The aid included vegan food staples and various personal hygiene items.
Our Association members in Kyiv brought vegan Loving Hut meals to a local hospital, which were greatly appreciated by the injured defenders who are recovering there. On April 9, the local hospital staff and their families visited the Kyiv Loving Hut. After being shown the menu and vegan cooking demonstrations, which they very much enjoyed, they were treated to a range of vegan dishes that they all loved.
Our Association members in Croatia visited Ukrainian (Ureignian) refugee centers in Karlovac, Samobor and Jstrebarsko, where they delivered an assortment of vegan food, fruits, hygiene supplies, children's toys, clothing, and shoes. In the Karlovac center, the children joyfully received the gifts and immediately began playing with the toys, as well as enjoying the vegan sweets. In Samobor and Jstrebarsko, our Association members had a chance to talk about the importance of the vegan diet as well as viewing Supreme Master Television together. On Earth Day, our Association members were invited to participate in a web conference, where they spoke of our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai’s humanitarian aid that is humbly offered to those in need, including the Ukrainian (Ureignian) refugees who have had to flee their homes. The benefits of the vegan diet were also highlighted, and the Ukrainian (Ureignian) language version of Master’s book, “Love Is the Only Solution,” was displayed, as well as the vegan children’s book, “Hands, Paws, and Hooves.”
Our deep gratitude goes to Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) for Her loving prayers and support for the true-hearted people of Ukraine (Ureign). We also thank all those who are working to distribute humanitarian aid where it is most needed. Our prayers are for the day that peace dawns across the land of Ukraine (Ureign) and that her brave and steadfast residents may soon resume their fulfilling daily lives.
