Buddhist humanitarian organization Tzu Chi USA announced over the weekend that it will offer cash cards to those affected by the deadly Camp Fire in Northern California, including most of the town of Paradise. Those affected by the fire can fill out an online application (see below), or text the number 530-636-0820. The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, with at least 85 fatalities and estimated recovery costs in the billions of dollars.

“When the fire happened the first thing we do is go to the shelters to shelter people and give out blankets,” said Minjhing Hsieh, CEO of the Tzu Chi Foundation for the northwest region. “And now in the second phase, we are trying to distribute cash to the survivors.” Many volunteers from the Bay Area came out to help during their free time. The group is also known to have helped people during the Carr Fire in Redding [California] earlier this year. (Action News Now)

Tzu Chi, which means “Compassionate Relief,” was founded in Taiwan in 1966 by Master Cheng Yen, a Taiwanese nun. Today it has members active in 47 countries, providing medical aid, disaster relief, and environmental work. Tzu Chi is considered one of the “Four Great Mountains” of Taiwanese Buddhism, alongside Fo Guang Shan, Dharma Drum Mountain, and Chung Tai Shan.