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Draft:Amitabha Foundation

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Amitabha Foundation (阿弥陀佛援助总会)

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Amitabha Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Malaysia, established in 1998. Headquartered in Johor Bahru, the foundation is involved in a range of charitable activities including healthcare services, eldercare.[1], child welfare, and disaster relief. It draws inspiration from the compassionate values associated with Guanyin, a bodhisattva revered in East Asian Buddhism.

History and Background

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The foundation was founded in 1998 with the aim of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia[2]. Rooted in principles of compassion, it has developed into a broad-based charity organization that operates several care centers and runs numerous community programs throughout the country.

Healthcare Services

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In 2003, Amitabha Foundation opened a dialysis centre in Johor Bahru[1], offering subsidized treatment to patients with chronic kidney disease. As of 2024, the centre has expanded to operate 18 dialysis machines. Fundraising efforts, including charity golf tournaments, help maintain and upgrade medical equipment for the centre.[1]

The foundation also conducts public awareness programs such as the “Kidney Health Awakening” campaign, designed to promote preventive care and early detection strategies for kidney-related conditions.

Welfare for Children and the Elderly

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In 2010, the foundation established an orphanage in Johor Bahru to serve children who are orphaned, neglected, or at risk. The center provides education, healthcare, psychological support, and vocational guidance for children aged 3 to 17[3][4].

Support for the elderly is provided through the Gentle Hill Elder Care Centre, which delivers residential care, meals, mental health services, and recreational activities. Approximately 30% of the facility’s capacity is allocated to seniors in financial need[5].

Disaster Relief and Emergency Aid

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The foundation is also active in providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters and public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, it distributed food, hygiene items, and medical supplies to affected communities[5]. It has also worked with other organizations to distribute winter clothing to earthquake survivors and provide long-term rehabilitation support.[6]

Community Engagement and Events

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Amitabha Foundation organizes numerous public events aimed at enhancing community welfare:

  • Blood donation drives: Carried out in collaboration with local hospitals to address national blood supply shortages.[7]
  • Charity golf tournaments: Hosted to raise funds for the foundation’s medical and disaster relief efforts. In October 2024, one such tournament raised RM170,000.[8]

Volunteerism and Donations

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The foundation relies heavily on volunteers who assist in its operations, from community outreach to support in healthcare and logistics. Volunteers receive training in areas such as emergency response and cultural awareness.

Donations can be made as one-time gifts or through recurring programs. Corporate sponsorships are also welcomed, especially for corporate social responsibility initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization reported the loss of 62 donation boxes nationwide due to business closures, which significantly impacted its funding for elderly care, dialysis, and child welfare services[9][10]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "【独家】百万建阿弥陀佛洗肾中心 低收费援助贫苦肾病患". e南洋 (in Chinese (China)). 2019-06-10. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  2. ^ "阿弥陀佛洗肾中心 明年4月办高球赛筹款". e南洋 (in Chinese (China)). 2019-11-19. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  3. ^ "College students raise RM13,000 for two charity homes". The Star. 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  4. ^ "阿弥陀佛援助总会 获近2万捐款". 中國報 China Press (in Chinese (China)). 2019-11-28. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  5. ^ a b "Centre in dire need of donations for necessities". The Star. 2020-04-15. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  6. ^ "阿弥陀佛援助总会联合2单位 为土地震幸存者筹冬装". 中國報 China Press (in Chinese (China)). 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  7. ^ "阿弥陀佛援助总会 周六邀你献血". 中國報 China Press (in Chinese (China)). 2024-10-02. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  8. ^ "高球赛暨慈善晚宴 筹获17万助肾脏患者". 中國報 China Press (in Chinese (China)). 2024-10-27. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  9. ^ "乐捐箱1个月收不到10元 经济影响捐款?慈善机构难为". e南洋 (in Chinese (China)). 2016-03-19. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  10. ^ "阿弥陀佛援助总会 摆在店铺 62捐款箱遗失". 中國報 China Press (in Chinese (China)). 2021-05-20. Retrieved 2025-06-16.