Challenge the Gap (Q1 2013)

Featured beneficiary in the CHALLENGE THE GAP category for first quarter 2013:

BUDDHIST GLOBAL RELIEF

In 2007, the American Buddhist scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi called attention to the inward focus of American Buddhism, which has been pursued to the neglect of the active dimension of Buddhist compassion expressed through programs of social engagement. Several of Ven. Bodhi's students who read the essay felt a desire to follow his suggestions. They resolved to form a Buddhist relief organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poor and disadvantaged in the developing world.

Inspired “by a vision by the vision of a world in which debilitating poverty has finally been banished” and the necessities of life—including food, medicine, education—are made available to all, Buddhist Global Relief (BGR) seeks to provide relief to the poor and needy throughout the world regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion. Bearing in mind the Buddha's statements that "hunger is the worst kind of illness" and "the gift of food is the gift of life," BGR focuses on providing food aid to those afflicted by hunger and lack of food security. BGR is engaged in programs of Critical Rice Support in Cambodia in partnership with Lotus Outreach International, as well as Youth Education efforts in India. Throughout the quarter, BGR will be partnering with Ecology Action to provide relief in Africa, and will be aiding farm families in rural Vietnam.

Both FBB and BGR were founded in part to put the highest aspirations of their respective worldviews into compassionate action for the betterment of our world, and to expand our visions beyond our own tribes. FBB is proud to welcome Buddhist Global Relief as an encore beneficiary in our Challenge the Gap program, having also been featured in Q2 2011.