My name is Abhayasara and I am the only Order Member based full-time in Venezuela. I am reaching out for your help in helping us build a thriving and supportive sangha in a situation of great instability.

Imagine that you lived in well-functioning society which slowly fell apart at the seams. Hyper-inflation sent prices for food, petrol, etc. spirally to astronomic levels. A loaf of bread now costs what you would have bought a car for a few years ago. Friends and loved ones have left in search of better futures, bound for countries resistant to immigrants. Those left behind scrape by with whatever means they can.

Our Buddhist Centre in Merida serves a crucial role in helping people through these extremely challenging times. We support the spiritual wellbeing and mental health of hundreds of people through meditation, yoga, Dharma study and friendship. We are literally an oasis for people who are desperate and have so few resources.

To continue providing these crucial services in a safe and supportive space, we need your help. The Buddhist Centre is getting to the point of disrepair, with leaky pipes and dodgy electrics. Some of the spaces in the building are unusable. Our vision is to not just to improve the infrastructure, but to beautify the space and make it truly worthy of the people we serve. With so much of their lives in chaos, a beautiful practice space will enhance their lives, spiritually nourishing and resourcing them.

Help us be a light for when things fell apart. Please consider donating to our appeal.

£ 100 will help us expand the meditation room to hold 40 people.

£ 50 will help us improve common areas and rooms for dharma study.

£ 25 will help us buy cushions, chairs and furniture.

Thank you for helping us help people who come to us seeking refuge.