Tsu Chi Foundation 慈濟基金會

Hualien is the birthplace of one of the most significant foundations in the world. Tsu Chi Foundation : http://www.tzuchi.org/ was started single handely by a buddhist nun here in Hualien nearly 50 years ago. It has grown into a huge organization with offices, staff, and volunteers all over the world. It has established its four missions: charity, medicine, education, and culture. Tsu Chi volunteers are always one of the firsts to reach global disaster areas offering assistance, food, water, and aids. The first time I came across them was the very next day after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, in Victoria where volunteers in blue uniforms were on the street corners collecting donations.

The auditorium and education center is absolutely magnificient. It was designed by the master herself who is a nun and has no architectural background. It is simply amazing. This is one of the "must sees" in Hualien.