Dr. Jackie Wu enjoys volunteer work and is proud to provide regular traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture service for the Seabird Island Band community in Agassiz, BC. This biweekly program is organized by the band medical center and the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), a non-profit organization funded in Taiwan in 1998.
SQEWQEL, greeted by the gate before entering the band center
TIMA envisions to "curing people, treating illnesses and healing minds", in addition to inspiring and promoting a medical culture with humanistic values of gratitude, respect and love.
As volunteer healthcare professionals, TIMA members render various services according to the needs of the community, irrespective of race and religion. They also bring their expertise, love and care to the impoverished and sick, who have little access to medical facilities.
Dr. Michael Chung, left, Dr. Jackie Wu provide acupuncture treatment to Seabird Island First Nation member Brian Govereu- The Globe and Mail
Currently, TIMA has 12 mission teams in Taiwan, and Chapters in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Paraguay, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Besides regular medical services, TIMA members also work together with Tzu Chi volunteers to provide free medical care to disaster victims. As at 2015, TIMA has provided over 2.5 million free treatments to people in 49 countries, with contributions from 16,494 medical professionals and volunteers.
127km away from the city of Vancouver, the scenery is an extra bonus on top of the rewarding experience