Earthquake Relief Efforts for China

PUBLIC DONATION INFORMATION

The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for earthquake response efforts in China can be found at www.interaction.org.

The U.S. encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, warehouse space, etc); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.

We encourage people to donate to an organization of their choice. A  list of organizations can be found at….

• USAID: www.usaid.gov – Keyword: Donations
• The Center for International Disaster Information: www.cidi.org or (703) 276-1914
• Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found at www.reliefweb.int

On May 16, 2008, U.S. Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt, Jr., [pictured at far left] presented a check for $500,000 to the Red Cross to assist China's relief efforts in areas affected by this week’s earthquake in Sichuan Province. The funds are from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development.

At the presentation ceremony, Ambassador Randt reiterated President Bush’s assurance that “the United States stands ready to help in any way it can.” The Ambassador said:

"Our hearts sincerely go out to those whose lives have been so cruelly changed by this catastrophe…. Accordingly, President Bush has extended the helping hand of a friend. He has instructed me, on behalf of the American people and the United States Government, to present a check in the amount of $ 500,000 to the Red Cross…. To the people of China, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time."

Accepting on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China was Ms. Su Juxiang, Vice Chairperson of the Red Cross Society of China (pictured in center). Accepting on behalf of the International Federation of the Red Cross was Mr. Carl Naucler, Managing Director for East Asia (pictured at right).