World Vision rushes aid to 10,000 China quake survivors

from News Wire Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON, World Vision is rushing aid to 10,000 earthquake survivors in southwestern China, including blankets and tents for children and families left homeless.

Children, who were buried or trapped in collapsing schools and homes, comprised a high percentage of the casualties. "This disaster is so tragic, especially for children. Many of those who survived the quake learned that their parents and classmates had not," said World Vision Canada manager Alice Chin Ho.

Ho says that World Vision has more than 700 local staff in China who began to mobilize soon after news of the quake broke on May 12. An emergency assessment team is travelling to the stricken area to assess damages and bring in preliminary supplies. The team is experienced in disaster relief, most recently providing aid to thousands of people affected by severe winter blizzards and to survivors of the March earthquake that struck Xinjiang in northwestern China.

Canadians have been responding generously to World Vision's appeal for $100,000 for emergency relief, says Ho. "World Vision donors worldwide sponsor 75,000 children in China, including 10,500 sponsored by Canadians. We are thankful that none of these children were affected by the quake, but our donors and others have been calling in to ask what they can do for children and families who lost everything. It seems that China holds a special place in the hearts of many Canadians."

Those wishing to help can visit WorldVision.ca or call 1-800-268-5528 (English), 1-800-363-5021 (French) or 1-800-268-2776 (Chinese).

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.ca.