On April 2, 2021, a disastrous nightmare on the Taroko Express train which still brings painful memories to many. The road to recovery is long, one that society and numerous professions try their utmost to contribute help, hoping that the victims and their loved ones’ heavy sorrow will gradually be lifted away. Five days after the accident, Chairperson Sophie Chang personally visited members of Hualien’s fire department to encourage the rescue team and listen to their needs, resulting in a funding project for the Taroko Express disaster by the staff at TSMC Charity Foundation, and the creation of a service platform with Asia University’s Department of Psychology to help the families of the afflicted.
TSMC employees raise funds for new fireman suits
One head of the Hualien county government's fire department told Ms. Chang, “When we’re rescuing survivors, we're heroes, but after that, our resources remain lacking.” Despite the stains and scrapes acquired from their service in the field, it's disheartening to see firefighters being forced to wear them repeatedly due to budget constraints. She responded that day by promising two new uniforms per firefighter and the immediate establishment of a fund by the TSMC Charity Foundation for the Taroko Express train accident.
To date, the project has seen 7,401 TSMC employees participate in the fund dedicated for providing the heroic first responders of the accident with new uniforms, totaling NT$17.45 million. Together with TSMC's resources, the sum will purchase 1,198 brand new protective uniforms to nearly 600 rescue personnel. TSMC staff filled the online platform with 297 comments, expressing their gratitude to the heroes and wishing the affected families will soon find peace.
Measuring for the first batch of rescue uniforms. After a speedy production,
they were sent directly to Hualien’s firefighters just one month after the train disaster (May 27).
Providing emergency relief and therapy services for affected families
With TSMC Charity Foundation's “Sending Love” platform, relief is sent to economically disadvantaged households or those with limited work opportunities caused by accidents. After the Taroko disaster, we immediately connected with local authorities and provided emergency relief to six families who had lost their main income.
Additionally, Chairperson Chang consulted with clinical psychologists to join in providing emergency services, and established a therapy consultation service platform with partners at Asia University's Department of Psychology. After observing the needs, wishes and work and residence locations of those affected, the foundation brought together professionals in clinical psychology equipped with spaces for consultation, providing the most adequate service to care for each families’ trauma.
Society's kindness brings warmth after tragedy
To this day, TSMC Charity Foundation has received an abundance of support from the public and professionals, with over a hundred trained psychologists and therapists applying to participate in this consultation service. The foundation may not be able to receive or reply to each and every heartfelt contribution made, but we deeply appreciate seeing such an outpour of support, showing a society's warm kindness and kindred spirit after being struck by tragedy, and helping all of us overcome it together.