Help a Buddhist monk help others
Donation protected
As you may be aware, there are over 200 wildfires burning in BC at the moment. Thousands of people have been evacuated and people are suffering immensely due to the grief caused by the loss of memories and property. Hopes are being replaced by fears, and the victims need more than a sandwich and a blanket and cot.
If I had the funds, I could quickly purchase a road ready used camper van and be on my way to BC where the evacuees are suffering. I could sit with these folks and help them cope with the emotions that are eating them up. I can't be of any benefit sitting in my shrine room in Calgary.
So I’m fundraising to establish Canada’s first Buddhist Mobile Crisis Support Team, which will respond to natural disasters, terrorist strikes and other catastrophic events to provide spiritual support, relevant Dharma instruction and Dharma based counselling in addition to meditation training, to victims and evacuees.
To make this happen, a camper van needs to be purchased. Ideally it would be a new one, but I am looking for an affordable used one and will hope it is reliable enough for the task it will tackle. It would have to be able to be used as a camper in the Winter as well, because tragedy can strike any time of year, and there could be a need for response during any month on the calendar. The van would need to be self sufficient, meaning it would need to be equipped with solar panels, fresh water and black water storage, simple cooking capability and food storage (fridge and some cupboard space), a toilet and a furnace and air conditioning system that can run independently of the vehicle motor. A CB radio system and all weather tires (Winter rated) and extra outdoor lighting (spot lights to provide light to a seating area outside the van) would be beneficial as well. Ideally, the van would also be able to provide a place to sleep for a minimum of two people.
This idea was born from my urge to help the 2017 B.C. wildfires evacuees and victims cope with their grief, loss and fear. But, unable to get to an evacuee centre and establish myself in a parking lot to provide any support to evacuees, I decided to start planning for years ahead. The idea became larger than the spark it was born from. I would also respond to any catastrophic event within a few days' driving distance to provide whatever spiritual support this Buddhist monk, and hopefully at least one other monastic, would be able to offer to people suffering from such traumatic events.
Please consider a small offering towards this endeavour.
If you represent an organization that would like to sponsor this endeavour in any capacity, please contact me at your convenience.
Thank you.
I have attached the letter of 'CONFIRMATION OF ORDINATION' from the monastery where I was ordained so that you can be assured that I am not fraudulently representing myself as a Buddhist monk.
If I had the funds, I could quickly purchase a road ready used camper van and be on my way to BC where the evacuees are suffering. I could sit with these folks and help them cope with the emotions that are eating them up. I can't be of any benefit sitting in my shrine room in Calgary.
So I’m fundraising to establish Canada’s first Buddhist Mobile Crisis Support Team, which will respond to natural disasters, terrorist strikes and other catastrophic events to provide spiritual support, relevant Dharma instruction and Dharma based counselling in addition to meditation training, to victims and evacuees.
To make this happen, a camper van needs to be purchased. Ideally it would be a new one, but I am looking for an affordable used one and will hope it is reliable enough for the task it will tackle. It would have to be able to be used as a camper in the Winter as well, because tragedy can strike any time of year, and there could be a need for response during any month on the calendar. The van would need to be self sufficient, meaning it would need to be equipped with solar panels, fresh water and black water storage, simple cooking capability and food storage (fridge and some cupboard space), a toilet and a furnace and air conditioning system that can run independently of the vehicle motor. A CB radio system and all weather tires (Winter rated) and extra outdoor lighting (spot lights to provide light to a seating area outside the van) would be beneficial as well. Ideally, the van would also be able to provide a place to sleep for a minimum of two people.
This idea was born from my urge to help the 2017 B.C. wildfires evacuees and victims cope with their grief, loss and fear. But, unable to get to an evacuee centre and establish myself in a parking lot to provide any support to evacuees, I decided to start planning for years ahead. The idea became larger than the spark it was born from. I would also respond to any catastrophic event within a few days' driving distance to provide whatever spiritual support this Buddhist monk, and hopefully at least one other monastic, would be able to offer to people suffering from such traumatic events.
Please consider a small offering towards this endeavour.
If you represent an organization that would like to sponsor this endeavour in any capacity, please contact me at your convenience.
Thank you.
I have attached the letter of 'CONFIRMATION OF ORDINATION' from the monastery where I was ordained so that you can be assured that I am not fraudulently representing myself as a Buddhist monk.
Organizer
Tsewang Gyurmey
Organizer
Calgary, AB
