當日的接機和行程由居住在茂宜島的信徒譚小梅師姐事先用心安排，午餐後，慰問活動在中國船餐廳展開。

依宏法師在致詞中表達了來自全球佛光人，對大家的關懷和祝福。隨後，法師開始進行捐贈祝福活動，特別選用星雲大師2024 年的春聯墨寶「雲水自在，祥和歡喜」、沙彌月曆和新年紅包，與大家結緣，送上新年的祝福與新希望。法師祈祝這些世世代代在拉海納鎮生活與工作的居民，能夠早日重建他們的家園，同時也希望居民們在新的一年中保持樂觀堅定的信念，展開全新的生活。

受贈的居民們對於佛光會的到來以及收到的關懷與祝福表達了萬分的感激，他們的臉上都充滿了感恩和謝意的表情。

Since August 9, 2023, the 260 BLIA organizations globally have been fundraising for this natural disaster.  Over $240,000 were collected over the six months and relief funds were distributed to over 11 Maui community organizations as well as 50 Lahaina friends.  

These Maui residents had lived and worked for many generations here;and presently, their homes and businesses have completely diminished.  They start a new chapter of their lives with hope , faith, and optimism. 

Our humble gifts of spiritual prayers,  New Year blessings, our New Year red envelopes, and our presence bring comfort and reassurance to them. Maui is still unforgotten and is a member of the Hawaii Aloha Ohana community!  We are here for you and continue to support Maui with the utmost of our endeavors. 

Maui Stay Strong! Maui No Kai Oi … Maui Da Best! 

透過北陸台灣商工聯誼會會長島田惠聯絡牽線，確定物資接受單位後，大阪佛光山監寺如泉法師、大阪協會長陳鳳玉及督導松田振興立刻動員協會理事幹部，採購民生物資與發動愛心捐助。

松田振興表示國際佛光會秉持佛光山開山祖師星雲大師「無緣大慈，同體大悲」人間佛教的理念精神，應為災區盡一份心力，以解災民苦痛，祈願能三災消除八難不生，相信凝聚眾人之力，滴水成海，聚沙成塔，必定能共渡難關。

大阪佛光人連日來集體創作，打包整理出120多箱暖暖包、衛生紙、衛生用品、泡麵、礦泉水等物資，9日清晨，如泉法師、知因法師、福岡佛光山監寺如愷法師、青年楊小萱、護法信徒杉本茂雄、張海峰與佐佐木里沙、拓磨母子等，分別開2部10人座車前往石川縣七尾市避難所小丸山小學校分送賑災物資百箱，由當地七尾市議會副議長西川英伸接受。

西川副議長表示非常感謝大家遠道而來贈送物資，這些物資如同雪中送炭，可以緩解物資缺乏的燃眉之急。如愷法師也詢問目前最迫切需要哪方面的協助，副議長表示，目前缺乏可以協助整理、煮飯的義工，以及今後災民們居住的問題，若是可以協助，將會是最大的幫助，道場表示，回去會再行商議後續的可行性。

最後以星雲大師春聯墨寶「雲水自在．祥和歡喜」以及〈菩提心 菩薩行〉311救援實錄與其結緣，並準備了包含佛光山平安糖、念珠、六字大明咒御守等在內的結緣品與災民們結緣。受災居民接受結緣品時紛紛表達感謝之意，有人甚至感動落淚，看到六字大明咒御守，彷彿吃了定心丸般的安心，手握著緊緊不放，結緣品也致贈給避難所的工作人員，感謝他們在這般艱難的時刻，願意前來協助災民們的安置及居住問題。

如泉法師説，世間的一切隨時隨地都在生滅變化，世界有成住壞空，認真看待自己與世界的關係與地球共生共榮，大家互助是當務之急，願諸佛菩薩眷顧 讓生者亡者各有所安，讓生者亡者各有所歸。 

The BLIA Osaka Chapter acted swiftly to ensure the safety of its members. Sub-chapter presidents and executives were promptly mobilized to confirm the well-being of their respective members. Simultaneously, they were briefed on the anticipated aftershocks expected in the coming days. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, efforts were intensified to actively assess the pressing need for support and relief materials in the affected areas.

The Chairman, Megumi Shimada from the Taiwan Chambers of Commerce in Hokuriku Region, has played a crucial role in coordinating relief efforts. Her efforts led to the successful establishment of contact and confirmation of the recipient organization for much-needed relief supplies. Following this breakthrough, Venerable Ru Quan, the Superintendent of Osaka FGS Temple, alongside the Osaka Chapter President and Supervisor, swiftly mobilized directors and executives. In a unified effort, they initiated the procurement of essential supplies and launched a donation campaign to support those affected.

Upholding the spiritual principles of Humanistic Buddhism, as advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, " “Cultivate unconditional loving-kindness and universal compassion”," BLIA pledged full support for disaster-stricken areas, aiming to alleviate the suffering of those affected. 

Members of the Buddha’s Light community in Osaka have collaborated to pack and organize over 120 boxes of crucial relief supplies. This includes warm packs, toiletries, instant noodles, and bottled water. On the morning of the 9th, a team led by Venerables from Osaka, youth and others, utilized two 10-person vans to deliver these essential items to the evacuation center at Elementary School in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Vice-Chairman of the Nanao City Council, Mr. Nishikawa, expressed gratitude for the relief team's efforts in delivering crucial supplies, a timely aid to alleviate pressing shortages. Venerable Ru Kai inquired about immediate needs, and the Vice-Chairman highlighted a shortage of volunteers for organizing and cooking, as well as concerns about future living conditions for victims. The temple representatives committed to exploring feasible assistance.

The BLIA relief team concluded their efforts by presenting Venerable Master Hsing Yun's New Year calligraphy, “May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful,” and a publication of the 311 Rescue Documentation. The team also distributed special items, including Fo Guang Shan's Peace Candy, prayer beads, and protective omamori featuring the Six-Character Great Bright Mantra, to residents.

Venerable Ru Quan emphasized the dynamic nature of the world, urging a thoughtful reflection on our connections to ourselves, the world, and our shared existence with the Earth. In light of ongoing challenges, mutual assistance becomes crucial. She prays for the compassionate guidance of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, blessing them with wisdom and peace for both the living and the departed.

國際佛光會東京協會及NPO法人國際BLIA秉持著佛光山「以慈善福利社會」的理念，由住持覺用法師及會長陳宥希帶領副會長羽田幼聖、日本人瀧川和利、松田龍宗、青年松田如央、邱駿宇等20餘位佛光人，1月7日於東京佛光山寺共同搬運包裝賑災物資。所捐獻的物資將捐贈給富山縣冰見市市役所，透過市政府的力量將物資送給所需要的災民。

本次所捐贈的主要物資為121張防水帆布。由於地震的關係，許多住宅的屋頂、牆壁、窗口均損壞導致雨水滴漏進了房屋裡，因此防水鋪墊在災區當中可以說是最需要的物資之一。

搬運包裝作業的現場，發心的佛光人齊心協力、分工合作、各司其職，有的搬運物資、有的包裝、有的秤重，專注的將自己的祝福化為力量，以一顆慈悲的心將一箱又一箱的物資寄往冰見市市政府，希望災情早日緩解。

陳宥希表示，1月9日早上NPO法人國際BLIA告知，第一批救援物資已抵達富山縣氷見市役所，感謝大家發揮集體創作精神，迅速完成人道的支援計畫，祝願災民早日回歸幸福安康。

On January 7th at FGS Tokyo, the BLIA Tokyo Chapter and NPO BLIA, following Fo Guang Shan's objectives, packed relief supplies under the leadership of Abbess Venerable Chueh Yong and the BLIA Tokyo President. The supplies, destined for the Himi City Office in Toyama, will be distributed to assist disaster victims by the government.

121 waterproof canvas sheets are the main donations this time. With homes damaged by the earthquake, rainwater leakage is a pressing issue. The waterproof canvas emerges as a crucial supply in the disaster-stricken area.

During the transport and packaging processes, BLIA members displayed unity and efficiency. Some transported supplies, others expertly packaged, and some precisely weighed each load. Their focused commitment transforms blessings into a source of strength. Boxes of supplies flowed from FGS Tokyo, carrying collective hope for relief in the affected region.

On January 9th, the NPO BLIA announced the successful delivery of the initial batch of rescue supplies to Himi City Hall in Toyama Prefecture. Expressing gratitude for the collective efforts and contributions that enabled the humanitarian assistance, and extending heartfelt wishes for the swift recovery of happiness and well-being among the victims.

捐贈儀式一開始由夏威夷副州長陸克(Sylvia Luke)發表感言，她提到之前參加夏威夷佛光山舉辦的浴佛節活動，為她留下深刻的印象，也學習到佛教的教義。其中佛陀告訴大家，人與人是互有關聯的，當我們幫助他人，就像現在佛光會幫助茂宜社區的災民一樣，我們的內心得到平和，這就是互聯性。

依宏法師感謝副州長的支持與協調，使捐贈儀式能夠順利舉行。法師強調星雲大師創辦佛光會的宗旨是弘揚人間佛教、關懐社會、建設人間淨土。因為我們生活在共同的因緣中，彼此相依相助。本次的善款捐贈展現了星雲大師人間佛教理念，體現了全體佛光人同體共生與服務社會的精神，相互扶持。同時，法師也期望這次的捐贈活動能激發更多大眾的愛心，一同參與茂宜的重建工作。

當天除了副州長陸克女士參與見證之外，來自教育單位的代表有夏威夷教育部督學辦公室主任 Camille Masutomi (Assistant Superintendent of Hawaii Department of Education Chief of Staff) 和夏威夷大學教育系副主任 Alice Taum (Associate Director of Development College of Education Hawaiinuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge)。宗教單位代表包括來自 Lahaina Hongwanji 的 Toshiyuki Umitani 主教和 Lahaina Shingon Mission 的 Robert Nakamura 牧師。來自文化單位的代表為 Lahaina Restoration Foundation-Wo Hing Temple Museum 的 Ryan Morales 先生。來自慈善機構的代表有夏威夷食物銀行負責人 Amy Miller 和救世軍代表 Troy Trimmer 和 Annie Trimmer 將軍。所有受贈單位依序出列領取支票後，法師帶領大眾，一起為茂宜與世界和平祝禱祈福。

另外，未能出席的有 Lahaina 淨土宗，市民教堂 (Napili Citizen Church)，Maui Strong Fund 和 Maui United Way  四個單位的善款將由茂宜信徒譚小梅帶回轉交給該單位。

最後，全體拍照留念，為這場充滿溫暖與愛心的善款捐贈儀式，劃下圓滿句點。

From the beginning of this disaster,  Fo Guang Shan Hawaii Abbess Yi Hung, initiated emergency relief and recovery efforts representing the Fo Guang Shan people globally. Two Maui visitations in August and September to comfort the victims; spiritual prayers; humble gifts were shared; and ongoing donations were organized during these past six months.

On January 2, 2024 at 11:30 am , on behalf of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters located in Los Angeles, Hawaii Venerable Abbess YiHung and Hawaii BLIA members presented checks totaling at $200,000 US dollars to eleven educational , religious , cultural, and social Maui community groups.

She also delivered sincere blessings to Maui , Hawaii, and the world; hoping that the lives of these victims will return back to normalcy ; and Maui will recover soon. At the opening of the ceremony, Hawaii’s State Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke presented a thank you speech. She mentioned that she had previously participated in the 2023 Buddha Birthday Ceremony held at the Fo Guang Shan Hawaii, which left a deep impression on her and learned the teachings of Buddhism. Buddhism teaches us about interconnectivity in which we are all connected as one people. In order for us to have inner peace, just like what BLIA is doing today, helping the Maui community now, we found peace in our hearts, which is interconnectivity.Abbess Yi Hung thanked Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke for her support and coordination, so that the donation ceremony could be held smoothly. She mentioned that Fo Guang Shan and BLIA will continue to make efforts to carry forward the mission of Master Hsing Yun in founding the Buddha’s Light Association International, to propagate Buddhism in the world, to nurture the community, and to establish a pure land in the world. We bound by causes- conditions, interdependence, respect, and  mutual assistance.

This charity donation is based on teachings of the Humanistic Buddhism from our Venerable Master Hsing Yun on the spirit of coexistence and serving the society from all Buddha’s Light Association Members. At the same time, we hope that BLIA’s message will encourage more people to care and participate in the long ongoing reconstruction of Maui and Hawaii.

In addition to Lt. Governor Luke participation , the representatives from the educational sector included are Chief of Staff Camille Masutomi of Hawaii’s Department of Education and the Director Alice Taum  of the University of Hawaii Foundation College of Education Hawaiinuiakea School. Secondly, the representatives from the four religious groups include Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani from Lahaina Hongwanji , Reverend Robert Nakamura of Lahaina Shingon Mission, and BLIA temple member Tan Xiao Mei representing Lahaina Jodo Mission and The Citizen Church of Napili, Maui.  Thirdly, Mr. Ryan Morales of Lahaina from the Restoration Foundation-Wo Hing Temple Museum for the cultural sector.  Finally, the Representatives from the charity group include President CEO Amy Miller and Vice President Lara Rand of the Hawaii FoodBank for Maui Food Bank and the two representatives Major Troy Trimmer and Major Annie Trimmer for the Salvation Army of Hawaii and Pacific Islands.

All the recipient units came forward to receive the monetary donations. Abbess Yi Hung led the public to pray for Maui and world peace together.Fo Guang Shan follower Tan Xiaomei, who is also a Maui Victim herself, will bring the donation checks back to Maui and deliver them to the following organizations: Lahaina Jodo Mission, Napili Citizen Church, Maui Strong Fund and Maui United Way.

At the end, all participants gathered for photos for fond aloha memories to  2024 New Year Maui Gifts Celebration full of warmth, love, hope, and compassion!