Ligmincha Fundraising Benefits Refugees of Ukraine Crisis
Join in Interfaith Prayers for World Peace
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, growing numbers of people have lost their homes or their loved ones. Many others have been injured, and many families have been separated.
Please consider joining Ligmincha International's fundraising efforts on behalf of the situation in Ukraine. You also can join Ligmincha instructor and practice leaders around the globe for online sessions of meditation, prayer and contemplation.
Fundraising Efforts
As of March 25, 2022, Ligmincha International has raised $31,800 and so far has sent $4,000 to Ligmincha Hungary and $22,000 to Ligmincha Poland for them to donate to services in their countries that benefit Ukrainian refugees. Additionally, Ligmincha Hungary has raised $5,200 and Ligmincha Poland has raised more than $14,000. Ligmincha Poland has opened its center and is accepting refugees. Ligmincha Hungary also is providing support and assistance to Ukrainians who have been displaced.
Chamma Ling Poland is hosting refugees from Ukraine at its center in Wilga in a calm environment that allows them to consider what to do next. Some are given help in finding a job and nearby apartment. At the center, volunteers try to organize shared meals and activities for the children, and fulfill other needs. Says sangha member Michael Glijer, who recently spent a weekend at the center and talked with guests, "All conversations and gestures are dominated by one omnipresent emotion: enormous gratitude for being welcomed and taken care of. This feeling seems to be stronger than sadness and suffering. so despite the tragic circumstances, everyone is smiling and full of hope." Sangha members are buying clothing for two families now that spring is coming and they need lighter clothes and shoes.
Unpacking a gift
Refugees in front of the center
In Hungary, the Ligmincha sangha gathered clothing and supplies for the children and, working with a Hungarian NGO, helped transport clothing and food to an orphanage in Ukraine close to the Hungarian border. The sangha is exploring future support for this and other orphanages. They also have contacted a Hungarian wholesaler to purchase food at a discount price. "There is a shortage of many things in Ukraine, and it is helpful to buy things in Hungary and take them to Ukraine," says sangha member Balazs Balogh." They hope to do this every few weeks and take the supplies to Ukraine where they are most needed.
Food and supplies transported from Hungary to orphanage in Ukraine
Babies in Ukrainian orphanage across the border with Hungary
You can donate to Ligmincha International's fundraising efforts on behalf of the situation in Ukraine in several ways. One-hundred percent of all donated funds will go to related relief efforts, with an emphasis on supporting refugee services. Ligmincha will help to ensure that the funds go directly to services offering immediate, tangible benefit to those in need.
Here are several ways you can donate.
- Donate through Ligmincha International, a U.S. 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
- Donate through Ligmincha Poland, which is raising funds as part of the same campaign.
- Donate through Ligmincha Hungary, which also is raising funds as part of the same program, and learn more about Hungary's activities in support of refugees.
Prayers for World Peace
Toward world peace, join faith leaders from around the globe for online prayer and silent contemplation. You can view each session on the CyberSangha website or on Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche's Facebook page. A recording of each session will be available on the CyberSangha website in the Schedule of Interfaith Prayer sessions soon after the broadcast ends.
Additional prayer groups and special events are being held, including many sponsored by Ligmincha sanghas around the world. At press time, prayers were being sponsored by Ligmincha France/Switzerland, Serenity Ridge Retreat Center in the U.S., Ligmincha Hungary, Ligmincha Finland, Ligmincha Poland and Ligmincha Mexico, among others.
View current prayer schedules around the world