The U.N. Postal Administration has issued a commemorative four-stamp set marking the 45th anniversary of Taiwan-based humanitarian organization Tzu Chi Foundation.
“We are extremely grateful for the UNPA’s recognition of our work over the past decades,” Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen said at a July 8 news conference in Taipei.
According to the foundation, the stamp set carries a theme representing the organization’s commitment to philanthropy, medical treatment, education and humanity.
One of the stamps portrays Cheng comforting a nervous elementary student presenting a thank you card to the Tzu Chi founder for the organization’s work in rebuilding her school following the magnitude 7.7-earthquake that struck Sept. 21, 1999, in central Taiwan’s Nantou County.
Other stamps show Cheng visiting a hospital patient, speaking with a centenarian and meeting a senior citizen who dedicated her life to recycling work, the foundation said.
Cheng said Tzu Chi has grown from a 30-member local group into an international organization that now extends a helping hand around the world.
“I am filled with joy to see our spirit of doing good deeds, which started with making small monetary donations, has begun to be noticed around the world,” Cheng said.
The U.N. stamp issue reflects Tzu Chi’s growing status within the world body. In July 2010, the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted the foundation special consultative status in recognition of its charity and medical works performed in more than 70 countries.
Tzu Chi can now take part in all ECOSOC activities, including meetings and budget planning. In addition, its personnel will receive U.N. assistance and protection while carrying out relief work worldwide.
The foundation is not the first Taiwan-based NGO to be granted special consultative status. In 2003, the ECOSOC recognized the Taipei-headquartered Buddha Light International Association.
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw