Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the city of Opole, Poland, has provided refuge for a large number of Ukrainian war refugees. Tzu Chi volunteers have conducted multiple aid distribution events in the region, fostering a meaningful connection with the city.

    As a result of this growing bond, the Mayor of Opole was invited to visit Taiwan, leading a delegation of city officials. Their first stop was Taichung, where they toured Jing Si Hall and Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital. The visit left a deep impression on the delegation, particularly regarding Tzu Chi’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its compassionate approach to medicine.

    Upon entering Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, the Mayor of Opole and his team were immediately captivated by the serene and humanistic atmosphere of the facility.

    "You can see that this entire building and lobby have a very unique design," said Superintendent Chien Shou-Hsin, who personally guided the delegation. The mayor eagerly took out his phone to capture the moment, documenting the hospital’s distinctive environment.

During the visit, Superintendent Chien Shou-Hsin presented a series of heartwarming medical stories, explaining how the hospital integrates cutting-edge medical expertise with a deep commitment to humanitarian care.

    "Look at the smile on this little girl’s face," he said, pointing to a photo. "Beyond showcasing Taiwan’s advanced medical capabilities, we also emphasize the core value of healthcare—compassion. In medicine, professionalism and humanism should complement each other, creating a truly patient-centered approach."

    The delegation also toured the Minimally Invasive Spine and Joint Center and the Hyperthermia Oncology Center, gaining further insights into the hospital’s state-of-the-art treatments and patient-focused care.

    Maciej Wujec, Deputy Mayor of Opole, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are truly thankful for this opportunity to visit your hospital. It is inspiring to witness the level of care and attention given to each patient."

    Due to their shared commitment to helping Ukrainian war refugees, the city of Opole and Tzu Chi have formed a deep bond of friendship.

Arkadiusz Wiśniewski, Mayor of Opole, also shared his thoughts, stating, "To be honest, everything I’ve seen today has been incredible. What amazes me the most is that none of this was created on a whim. Instead, everything here is deeply meaningful and carefully planned, making every aspect of this hospital truly purposeful."

    Hsiung Shih-Min, Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Foundation, remarked, "The mayor was deeply moved by what he witnessed here. He wanted to visit Taiwan to better understand Tzu Chi’s philosophy of great love and compassion, and to personally express his gratitude to Master Cheng Yen."

    By visiting various Tzu Chi institutions, the Polish delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s humanitarian efforts. This visit has not only strengthened their appreciation for Tzu Chi’s work but has also laid the foundation for future collaborations in humanitarian aid and medical care.