2020 will be remembered as a turbulent year when all countries and regions of the world have to suffer from the COVID-19 pandemic, which kills more than 1.8 million innocent people. More than anyone, people living in the United States watched in horror as the pandemic took the lives of their loved ones, friends, associates, etc. when more than 350 thousand people here lost their lives. Although two vaccines with high efficacy have been dispensed at the time of the writing of this article, they are still very limited, so preventive measures such as wearing masks in public space, frequent hand washing with soap, keeping a social distance of 6 ft (2 m), avoiding gathering, are all necessary now than ever.
In our homeland of Vietnam, apart from the COVID-19 pandemic the central provinces have suffered the most severe floods and storms in history, especially Thua Thien Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai. Storms and floods came one after anoher, making the locals who had already suffered from the harsh conditions there even more miserable:
“Looking at the tragedy, tears faded,
Thich Nu Nhu Minh
For rain and tears have intermingled as one..!”
The year 2020 has come to a close, and humanity is welcoming the new year 2021 with open arms!
Dear Noble Community,
In the face of the human pandemic and historic floods and storms in central Vietnam, Bodhi Charity Foundation has established the Emergency Fund COVID-19 Relief and Flood Relief; and we have received a lot of help from our dear friends and supporters. During these difficult times, we have come to understand the meaning of the Vietnamese proverb “healthy leaves protect damaged ones” that is deeply rooted in the rich and humanistic heritage of the Vietnamese culture. We are humbly asking for your continued support so that we can lend a hand in helping those in need not just in Vietnam but around the world.
With deep respect and gratitude, we are presenting to you Bodhi Charity Newsletter, No. 2, 1/2021. We wish you and those you love a new year with much health, safety and immeasurable joy.
Most gratefully,
Bodhi Charity Foundation