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A delegation of the Red Cross Society of China arrived in Canada on November 8 to bring personal thanks and information to Canadians regarding earthquake relief and recovery efforts.
“The contribution of Canadian individuals and corporations and the Government of Canada was incredible,” said Yunhong Zhang, Asia program manager with the Canadian Red Cross. “Canadian compassion has enabled the Canadian Red Cross to be one of the largest contributors to earthquake relief and recovery efforts in the world.”
The delegation from the Red Cross Society of China was in Markham on Saturday, November 8 to meet with close to 100 members of the Chinese Canadian community who were actively involved in fundraising efforts in the days and weeks following the earthquake. Their goal was to provide a first-hand report on what Canadian donations have played a large role in helping to accomplish, as well as to share some of the recover plans that will be implemented over the next few years.
Also participating in the event were The Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
“The generous contribution made by the Government of Canada, not only through an initial contribution in goods and cash, but also through their matching program, amounted to more than $17 million in assistance for those affected by this devastating disaster,” said Zhang.
The delegation has also scheduled visits in Ottawa and Vancouver before returning to China.
Six months ago on May 12, 2008, a massive earthquake devastated south-western China, killing more than 80,000 people and displacing nearly 15 million people in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. The Red Cross has since implemented an enormous humanitarian relief effort.
Recovery programs are anticipated to continue for an additional two and a half years and will focus on the reconstruction of tens of thousands of homes, as well as schools and health clinics.