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UK's Chinese communities raise £120,000 to help victims of earthquake in China
Sun 18/05/2008
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Chinese community organisations from the UK have raised over £120,000 for victims of the devastating earthquake in the Sichuan province of China. By Thursday 15 May, a media campaign in the UK’s Chinese media had raised £50,000 in pledges. And on Sunday 18 May, fundraising events and activities in London Chinatown resulted in £70,000 being donated by the local community and visitors. Over 50 volunteers from various groups and associations from across London and further arrived at noon to collect donations from passers by. Local supermarkets donated their goods to raise funds and a Chinese couple who got married on the day donated all their lucky money received from their wedding. Chinese caligraphy by Mr William Poon was autioned to raised over £3000. 
Mr C T Tang , President of London Chinatown Chinese Association told us that “donation boxes have been placed in all of the restaurants around Chinatown. We will make every effort to raise as much money for the victims as possible. It is heartening to see the Overseas Chinese working together around the world to do what little we can to provide aid and vital resources for the affected areas.” Michael Chan of London Chinatown Lions Club said, ‘Chinese communities living in the UK wanted to do something for the many thousands of people affected by the devastating earthquake in China. Thank you to everyone who has donated – people have been extremely generous. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the many families affected by this terrible tragedy.’ 
In addition to the shaking of collection tins, entertainers co-ordinated by Spectrum Radio encouraged the crowds to dig deep and help the victims of this continuing tragic disaster. Performances included Cantonese Opera from the Hackney Chinese Association, a bootleg Chinese pop band from the 50’s – Winners performed by members of the London Chinatown Lions Club. There were golden classics from Islington Chinese Association with Taiwanese conducter Madame Wong and traditional fan dance by the Chinatown’s Chinese community centre. There were even some impromptu performers ranging from traditional Chinese opera to a young violinist, Anthony Tang. Gary Li of COCA said “The community really came out to help today. Businesses were pledging their profits to the fund, schools and associations were encouraged to hold mini fundraising events and continue the donations. Today is just the beginning of a whole programme of activities around the UK. We would like to thank all those that have donated today and appeal to everyone to do what they can to help.” Solicitor Christine Lee said “Donating just £40 can help a family of four live for a whole month. Let’s help those surviving families rebuild their lives and let the children get back to school as soon as possible.” 
All the money raised will go to the Sichuan China Earthquake Relief 2008 and will be passed direct to the Chinese Embassy in the UK to directly fund aid efforts and the long term re-building of homes, schools and the infrastructure of the devastated areas. Donations can be made by sending a cheque made payable to “Chinese Embassy in the UK” to PO BOX 42193, London SW8 3XY, or placed directly into the appeal box in many of the shops in Chinatown. A public hotline has been setup for fund-raising enquiries on 020 7558 8188 Further funds will be raised at the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2008, which takes place on Sunday 8 June at the London Regatta Centre (DLR: Royal Albert). Sichuan China Earthquake Relief in London Chinatown is organised by: London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), Confederation of Chinese Associations UK (COCA), North London Chinese Association, getactive.uk.com, BC Project, and CY Radio. Sichuan China Earthquake Relief event is supported by: London Chinatown Lions Club, Islington Chinese Association, Hackney Chinese Community Centre, Chinatown Chinese Community Centre, Chinese in Britain Forum, Christine Lee & Co (Solicitors) Ltd, and Dim Sum. Media Supporters: Sing Tao Daily, Phoenix CNE, TVBS-Europe, UK Chinese Times, Chinese Business Gazette, EU Journal, Dragon Page Media, Dim Sum and Spectrum Radio 558AM. 
DONATION HOTLINE: UK 020 755 88188 Please get in touch if you have any fund-raising suggestions for us. Please email us at: info@getactive.uk.com |