Trip to Northern Neck Free Clinic
June 2020
Letter from Ms. Isabelle Maricar:
During March of this year, I volunteered at the Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Clinic through William and Mary’s Branch Out Alternative Breaks program. The program focuses on fostering active citizenship in students during school breaks, where students have a chance to volunteer in a community and learn about the social issues at hand. While Covid-19 sadly cut my break short, I was able to give back and return to the clinic in June with my mom and Cô Huyền from Thăng Long Vietnamese School. When I told my mom about the clinic’s shortage in face masks, she reached out to Cô Huyền who was kind enough to collect and donate masks from the Từ Bi Foundation and the Compassionate Service Society East. Returning to the clinic to see Ms. Jeanie Nelson, the founder of the clinic, and the rest of the staff had a profound effect on me and my outlook on equitable and affordable healthcare. I highly encourage youth to seek volunteer opportunities where they can give back to the community. Volunteering should not be done as a “resume booster”, but should be done to practice compassion and to learn more about their own communities. Volunteer opportunities should be sustainable (i.e. recurring activities that promote long-term relationships with the community) and encourage reflection (i.e. asking questions such as “What is the social issue/bigger picture at hand?” “What are my own biases as a volunteer?” “Aside from volunteering, how else can I positively contribute to this social issue?”). With those things in mind, effective volunteering can guide youth toward active citizenship and promote positive changes in their communities.
Isabelle Maricar
Love & Kindness Water Well
June 2020
Give Water, Give Life.
Inauguration of Tu Bi #25 Bridge and Vien Thong Bridge #4
May 10, 2020
Hunger Rescue Covid 19 in India
April 2020
Gifts during Covid 19 in Hue, Ca Mau, and Ben Tre
February & March 2020
Khe Sung village, Ngan Thuy commune
March 7, 2020
Inaugurated Natural Water Resources
Location: Truong Son mountain range, Quang Binh province
March 6, 2020
( This is our second project using the laws of physics and human ingenuity to bring natural water water to the people without electricity.)
After nearly 20 days of construction, the Quang Ninh District Fund for Rural Development and Poverty Reduction in coordination with the District Women’s Union and Truong Son Commune People’s Committee held the inauguration ceremony on March 6. Handing over and putting into use the clean water for daily use by the people of Van Kieu ethnic group in Chan Truong village, Truong Son commune.
This self-flowing clean water project is designed and built according to the experience of indigenous people, with a total length of nearly 3 km water pipe. In addition to the construction, installation and connection of the pipeline, the people of Chan Troi village also poured concrete to create 2 rising dams to carry water. The total construction cost is about 250 million VND.
In addition, the local authorities and the villagers of Chân Trôộng mobilized hundreds of laborers to transport construction materials to the mountainside to the build dams, install pipes and build 5 water supply points for public activities – ensuring clean water for 59 households in the village.
Ngoc Khang – Quang Ninh TT-TH Radio Station
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THANK YOU Letter
To: Tu Bi FOUNDATION – Viêt Nam Buddhist Center
In recent years, we have received sympathy regarding the difficulties of the poor accessing water in Chan Truong village, especially for the women and children there. Tu Bi Foundation of Viêt Nam Buddhist Center in Texas, USA and Mr & Mrs Vu Van Phuong funded natural water project for the people of Chan Truong village, Truong Son commune, Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh province.
The work was completed and officially put into use from March 6, 2020 with the present of Ms. Lieu Duyen. The work was built with 2 dams and reservoirs with a capacity of 80m3 of water with a sturdy and long-term plastic pipeline system. Sufficient water supply for more than 230 households and 2 clusters of primary and preschool schools. The work has brought happiness and joy to the local people here.
The Rural Development and Poverty Reduction Fund (RDPR), on behalf of the local community, would like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Vu Van Phuong’s family, Tu Bi Foundation of Viêt Nam Buddhist Center in Texas, USA for their sponsorship in building this project. Special thanks to Ms. Lieu Duyen for connecting and supporting the project implementation and completion.
We wish everyone and our benefactors great health, peace and happiness.
Much appreciation.
TM Quỹ RDPR
Khe Sung village, Ngan commune
March 6, 2020
Gifts to Tan Ly village, Lam Thuy commune
March 5, 2020
Scholarships at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy
February 27, 2020
Visiting mental patients in Duc Trong, Bao Loc
February 1, 2020
Dear benefactors,
The happiness of Tu Bi’s Association, Lieu Duyen is annually accompanied by Chu Nuns and Buddhists of Loc Uyen Pagoda in Da Lat, Lam Dong province. Tu Bi Foundation donated 400 food gifts to patients and waiters at the Institute of Mental Care in Duc Trong City – Lam Dong. This center is run by Sister Hang, and accepts the help of charities. Once again, Lieu Duyen was surprised, ‘shocked’ when he heard a uncle at the center say: “I just converted, there are also a few people like me” Maybe this is what they have to do if they want to. continue to work in this center. This is a pity when people have to choose a meal based on their own spirituality and beliefs in order to survive.
The program showed the spirit of irrespective of religion, the power of human love connecting Buddhists and the nuns to visit the mental patients. It is known that this is a dish that the patient loves, so Buddhists at Loc Uyen Pagoda have divided their efforts to make 400 servings of food to distribute to the patient. In addition, the pagoda’s teenage Buddhists together with the monks and nuns packed 400 gifts including coconut, candy, and soft drinks in order to contribute their efforts, bless and share the gift full of love. patients.
In February, Tet was just over and it was during the Covid epidemic season. Many items at the supermarket had not returned in time. It is not easy to earn 400 packs of candy. Lieu Duyen and Su Co have bought all the candies in the supermarket. Also, a little embarrassed that other customers don’t have candies to buy. The next part to worry about is going to find masks for members, when markets no longer sell masks. (out of stock).
In the situation of Covid happening in Vietnam, the way to protect the health of the members is to wear a mask and medical gloves to protect the team. The delegation completed the work in two camps for Men and Women with joy and we feel that this work is even more meaningful during the Covid season! Because many people are afraid to go out.
We sincerely thank Nuns Minh Lien, ladies and gentlemen of Loc Uyen Pagoda for making Tu Bi Foundation able to perfect this dharma.
Sincere gratitude to the benefactor.
Tu Bi Foundation
Gifts for the blind in Vinh Chau village, Soc Trang
January 4, 2020
Dear benefactors,
This is one of the programs that TBF continues to help every year with Venerable Thich Thien Hue. TBF’s contribution could only help 200 people with 1000 portions gifts for the blind in Soc Trang, Vinh Chau commune.
https://zingnews.vn/su-that-ve-hang-tram-nguoi-mu-o-vinh-chau-post592050.html
Each trolley trip contain gifts for 5 people.
We greatly appreciate the love and support for the suffering and disadvantages given by the nearly 40 volunteers who were present … Europe, USA, Canada and Vietnam. It was truly ‘Compassion Without Borders’.
Tu Bi Foundation
Roof for Study Hall, Quang Tri 12/12/2019
December 25, 2019
PHÒNG GD&ĐT HẢI LĂNG
Kindergarten School HaiXuan
Thank you letter
To: Tu Bi Foundation USA and volunteers of Hai Lang District, Quang Tri Province
First of all, on behalf of all staff of Hai Xuan Kindergarten, we would like to send you well wishes for health, happiness and success in life.
Last week, our school was delighted to receive the gift from the Foundation which is “School Roof”. In Vietnam, these days it is cold and rainy season, this gift by the Foundation was very timely, helping the staff safely transfer food without getting wet. In addition, from now on the students will have more area for activities – a beautiful water sand playground. The teachers and children deeply appreciate the TuBi foundation and the volunteers in HaiLang District, Quang Tri Province.
On behalf of the School, parents and children, we would like to send our sincere thanks to our benefactors and Tu Bi Foundation. We promise to use it for the right purpose and take good care of them so as not to disappoint your benefactors’ hearts for us. In the coming time, we hope to continue to receive the attention and love of the Tu Bi Foundation and benefactors to help them have better learning conditions.
Finally, we would like warm wishes to everyone – best wishes for health, happiness and success in life.
On behalf of all the teachers, parents and students of Hai Xuan Kindergarten, I would like to thank you.
Hai Xuan, the afternoon of December 20, 2019
Best regards,
Son Mai Nu Anh Phuong
Gifting Warm Coat to ethnic minority students in Truong Son mountain area, Quang Binh
November 28, 2019
Photos combine Kindergarten and Primary students in the last volunteer campaign, in 3 mountainous communes of KimThuy, NganThuy and LamThuy in LeThuy district.
Bringing Light Program to 267 poor patients in the northern districts and provinces
November 14, 2019
Dear Benefactors,
On October 26, 2019, the program ‘Bringing light to 267 patients in the provinces of Thai Nguyen, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Hoa Binh, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, and Thuong Tin – Hanoi’ completed as wish. This virtue was achieved through the contributions from benefactors in the United States, Europe, Australia and Vietnam. It is very more meaningful when contribution come from donors around the world. We would like to pay homage to the monks and nuns at the following temples for their support of this program: venerable abbot of Vietnam Buddhist Center (Houston), nun Minh Lien of Vien Thong Pagoda (Houston). Venerable Phổ Quang (France), nun Viên Diệu (Switzerland), Phóng Sanh Group (Germany), and Buddhists in California – Maryland – Virginia – Texas – Australia. Please dedicate this merit to all the sentient beings, to always live in peace and happiness. May the world and all beings be peaceful.
Tu Bi Foundation would like to express our sincere gratitude to DND Mắt Hospital in Hanoi, and to the charitable committees, all of whom have devoted themselves to caring for the patients so well. The work starts from 5 am to 8:30 pm, but everyone laugh during the entire time of service. DND Hospital has a total of 150 participants from many provinces, including 8 ophthalmologists, clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, ancillary departments and the executive board. “This is the day everyone is dedicated to serving, everyone is volunteering,” said Dr. Quế. In the end we helped 267 patients and 8 patients will have surgery when their health stabilize. Each patient given a medicine bag to care for their eyes after surgery and nearly $5 USD. The hospital is very clean!
The Tu Bi Foundation would like to express our gratitude to elder abbess Diệu Từ from Giác Tâm Temple in Saigon, nun Tâm Phụng and 12 nun in the provinces have devotedly worked throughout this program, guiding 400 patients to Hanoi and warmly care for each individual. Volunteer group from Saigon travel North to assist smooth coordination. In addition, in the 50 locals in Hanoi, serve and help volunteer groups by providing breakfast and lunch to all patients. Patients that did not qualify for operation, the hospital paid driver to take them home. When everyone leave, they will receive an envelop with close to $5 USD and food. Everyone was well cared for.
Thanks to the eye surgery program, 200 volunteers including the medical team at DND Mắt Hospital had the opportunity to work together to care for the 400 patients. It is this noble love that has arisen from the kind heart of each person as they help alleviate the suffering of others.
Much appreciation our benefactors,
Tu Bi Foundation
Inauguration of Vien Thong Bridge #3 – 33m x 2m – 2019.11.02
Ngày 17 tháng 11 năm 2019
Vien Thong bridge #3 is located in Phong Lưu hamlet in Đông Hưng commune, was built with reinforced concrete, length 33m and width 2m. Not far away is an old bridge which has been damaged in many places so it’s not easy to cross. Locals said that when it rained at night, some people and cars would accidentally fell into the river. Luckily this is a busy area; hence, they were rescue in time.
The bridge allow pupils to go to school from elementary school to high school, and adults to get to the main road for trade. Moreover, the locality promised that after the bridge is built, the officials and the locals will remove the surrounding trees to make way for better road for easy movement. Where there is a bridge, there will be roads to bring safety to all the people living in the area, especially students who need to go to school every day. This is a good dharma that has brought many benefits to humanity.
We traveled by car for nearly 2 hours and the only means of transportation was by boat to reach our destination. It took us 45 minutes by boat to arrive to venue to administer the inauguration ceremony of Vien Thong Bridge #3. This bridge bridge will allow people to travel back and forth between districts and communes. They’ll need to take a boat if they need to gog to the city.
Much appreciation to our benefactors for donating to the construction of Vien Thong bridge #3. The family would like to share this blessing and dedicate prayer to the spirit of Phan Quốc Dũng (dharma name Tâm Trí), to be reborn to the peaceful world of Pureland. May the world be peaceful and all beings in harmony.
Sincerely,
Tu Bi Foundation
Gifting Love & Kindness Home, Visiting Tu Bi Kindergarten #2
November 2, 2019
What an achievement beyond our imagination of this loving home. Thanks to the money Tu Bi Foundation donated 35 million VND (1,500 USD) and the locality matched 15 million VND. The remainder, the homeowner borrow government loans with a 5-year interest rate of .6%. The husband worked as a fisherman, so he managed to do some construction work himself. The house took 6 months to complete because they work when they have money and there was no pressure. Currently the house has been temporarily completed worth 100 million VND. But inside is unfurnish with exception of a bed. We truly helped Tran Thi Dieu’s family to have the opportunity to change their lives. From now on their family will not have to live in poverty, with thatched roof. After the parents received news that Tu Bi Foundation helped with the home. The parents gave more land so they can build a more spacious house.
Sincerely thank our benefactor from France, for helping this program to be successful. The family would like to appreciate this precious merit and dedicate prayer to for Pham Chi Ton be reborn in a peaceful world.
Afterward we have returned to visit Tu Bi Kindergarten #2 to donate library books to preschool students.
Best regards
Tu Bi Foundation
“Winter Warm Clothes” Give away sweatshirts for TTH students in Cam An, Cam Lo – Quang Tri
November 17, 2019
Nov. Date January 2019, teachers, monks and nuns of Lam Dong province and Tu Bi Foundation gave gifts to poor students at Cam An primary school, Cam Lo – Quang Tri, including jackets, schoolbooks. Poor students are given extra slippers and backpacks.
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OPEN LETTER
To: Tu Bi Foundation
Winter in the Central region is very cold, especially Quang Tri province’s weather is very harsh in winter, children need to have enough warm clothes to wear to school.
Cam An Primary School, Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province has two schools with a total of 22 classes with 615 students, including poor studious students, orphans, students in difficult circumstances. I don’t have enough warm clothes to cope with winter.
In the spirit of love and empathy, we wanted students to have enough warm clothes to have during the cold winter to protect them on their way to school.
With a conscience of an educator, our heartfelt concern are with the well beings of the students. We hope that Tu Bi Foundation can join us in contributing 615 warm clothes for our disadvantaged students so that they can continue to go to school.
We’re sincerely grateful to Tu Bi Foundation for helping our students this school year.
On behalf of the school board
Principal
Phan Thi Thu Lai
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When I got back to Vietnam, Tu Bi Foundation received this letter asking for help. Tu Bi Foundation seldom refuse assistance for students, so we tried our best … Tu Bi Foundation would like to thank Ms. Dieu Tinh in Texas, Ms. Thu Ha and her friends in Vietnam for contributing to the program ‘Warm Clothes for Winter’. Thank you for accompanying Tu Bi Foundation in helping poor students in Quang Tri province, Cam Lo commune to have a cozy winter.
Best regards,
Tu Bi Foundation
Preschool Libraries in Quang Tri
September 09, 2019
Dear Benefactors,
Today, Tu Bi distribute books for the Library program at 3 preschool in Hải Xuân, Hải Thọ and Hải Hòa commune in Quảng Trị province. The teachers and students were very happy to receive the gifts from Tu Bi at the beginning of the school year.
Tu Bi have been and is still experimenting with the Library program at Kindergarten schools that were helped over the years to cultivate more knowledge for children in the countryside. Most importantly, the need to have good volunteers in the localities to often visit to ensure that the book donated by Tu Bi still exist even after a long period of time …
We will continue to invest in the program to build intellectuals and moral in kindergartens and elementary schools. Tu Bi volunteers select books on Ethics, Culture and Science to donate to the schools.
Much appreciation to our benefactors.
Tu Bi Foundation