Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Items designed by members of the Tzu Chi Foundation won several awards at the 44th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva from April 13-17. This is an annual event that this year brought 700 producers and inventors from more than 45 countries; they displayed a wide variety of objects to be used in everyday life. It attracted a very large number of visitors, especially on the weekend of April 16 and 17. Tzu Chi volunteers used the occasion to explain the foundation and its work to the visitors and other participants.

The foundation's Portable Disaster Relief Furniture Set won three gold and one bronze special awards. One visitor, a French lady student, said: "I feel that your multi-purpose foldable bed, table and chair have an excellent design and are very practical. They are light and handy as well as stable and the exterior is very beautiful."

In front of the Tzu Chi's stall, volunteers patiently explained every piece in the design. A Spanish designer who won a special award came in person to learn about the set. He said: "I really feel that the design of the foldable table and chair is very good and very easy to use. It is a great contribution to the world and can help the many people in need. This winning of the Swiss Industrial Design Prize and the gold medal really brings great credit to you."

A friend who came with the Spanish designer said: "I have just heard the volunteers give us their precious time to introduce the item. I feel very moved. Each of us has only one life; the time that has passed will not come back. You always never know what will happen tomorrow."

The item that won the award was the result of volunteers bringing together their experience in relief aid and humanitarian spirit to produce equipment that can be used in relief work. The volunteers also used the occasion to introduce the foundation to the people of Europe.

One of them, Zeng Ci-hui, said: "We are very grateful to have this opportunity to share (with everyone). We are also very grateful to Master Cheng Yen, that her spirit and wisdom can come to Europe, especially during this exhibition of inventions in Geneva. In this way, we can spread the spirit of Great Love around the world."

Another volunteer, Lin Mei-feng, said: "Parents are bringing their children to see the exhibition. I feel that it is very important to develop their inventiveness from a young age. In addition, I also feel very grateful that, during this exhibition of inventions, we can introduce Tzu Chi."

This blend of creativity and ingenuity linked to the concept of protecting the environment led to the set of portable disaster relief furniture. It also enabled Europe to see the spirit of love brought from Taiwan.

List of the awards:

A. Portable Disaster Relief Furniture Set:
1. PRIX DU DESIGN INDUSTRIEL, 44 eme SALON INTERNATIONAL DES INVENTIONS
2. GOLD PLUS MEDAL+ JURY SPECIAL PRIZE

B. Packaging & Carrying System, Sleeping Box & Wheel + School Box:
3. GOLD MEDAL FOR PACKAGING CATEGORY

C. Jing Si Mechanical Bell & Drum Clock:
4. THAILAND SPECIAL AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL INVENTIONS
5. GOLD MEDAL FOR WATCH AND JEWELRY CATEGORY

D. Foldable Disaster Housing:
GOLD MEDAL FOR BUILDING AND MATERIALS CATEGORY


Report by Lin Mei-feng in Geneva April 16, 2016