The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has extended a lifeline of compassion to more than 500 individuals devastated by recent fire outbreaks in three Freetown communities, Kroo Bay, Blackhall Road and Congo Town, providing emergency relief that has brought comfort and renewed hope to families in distress.
Working in close partnership with Caritas Freetown, the humanitarian effort delivered vital food items including rice, multigrain, onions, seasoning cubes, palm oil and vegetable oil to ease the burden on families who lost their homes and possessions during the fires that struck three weeks ago. The aid could not have come at a more crucial time, as many of the victims continue to face uncertainty, displacement and hunger.
During the distribution ceremony, Caritas Freetown’s Programs Manager, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, spoke with heartfelt empathy for the affected families. He acknowledged the emotional toll disasters like these take and emphasized the deeper meaning behind the gesture. He conveyed messages of love and support from Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of the Tzu Chi Foundation, reminding beneficiaries that they are not forgotten. “This support is born from compassion,” he noted. “Though we cannot replace all that has been lost, we can walk beside you in your time of need.”
Margaret Bassie, representing Tzu Chi Foundation in Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities across the country. She described the severe impact the fires had on the three communities and underscored the Foundation’s resolve to respond with love and tangible help. “During the rainy season, the suffering of affected families becomes even more difficult and that’s why we are here; to stand with them through this hardship,” she explained.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) also lent its voice of support during the relief distribution. Gerald King, Regional Coordinator for the Western Region, praised Tzu Chi’s consistent role in augmenting Government responses to emergencies. He emphasized that their intervention helps bridge gaps during times when public resources may not be immediately available. Gerald King encouraged beneficiaries to share the food items responsibly and to continue supporting one another through recovery.
For many recipients, the relief came as a much-needed blessing. Among them was Mariam Kamara, a resident of Kroo Bay, who shared her experience with emotion and gratitude. “I want to thank Dharma Master,” she said tearfully. “We lost everything and now we live in a mosque. This food will keep my children and me from going hungry for the next few weeks.” Her words echoed the silent struggles of many others who found solace in the generosity extended to them.
Through this impactful intervention, the Tzu Chi Foundation has not only met immediate needs but has also delivered a strong message of hope and solidarity. In a time of loss and uncertainty, their compassion has reminded affected communities that even in the darkest of moments, humanity can shine brightest.
