Our Story
Buddhist Relief is the humanitarian arm of Kunzang Palyul Chöling Buddhist Temple. Since 2005, Buddhist Relief has responded to the needs of sentient beings who are in crisis.
A Swift Response
H.E. Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Kunzang Palyul Chöling, founded Buddhist Relief in response to the tragic consequences of Hurricane Katrina in the United States. Providing food, clothing and emotional support, volunteers met the need on the ground as soon after the disaster as possible.
Within days, Buddhist Relief volunteers worked with local organizations and businesses to provide food, clothing and emotional support to those devastated by the Hurricane. This included rescuing more than 120 dogs and cats that had been abandoned in New Orleans itself, arranging an airlift to a sanctuary provided by Kunzang Palyul Choling in Arizona, and reuniting them with their owners or finding them new homes.
An Expansive Reach
Since then, Buddhist Relief volunteers have responded to the needs of those in crisis. Donors and volunteers have provided meals for the hungry, clothing and personal hygiene supplies, and other things needed by people who are displaced whether it be due to natural disasters, economic displacement, or war and strife abroad.
Our program model is flexible and responsive to circumstances. To maximize the impact of our efforts, we partner with established, like-minded nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals.
Our efforts are fueled by the commitment to end suffering, which is the mission statement of Kunzang Palyul Chöling, and to being a compassionate presence to victims of circumstance.
