Daughters have lost their mothers. Fathers have lost their sons. Tens of thousands of students no longer have a place to study. They are injured, suffering, scared and need our help right now. (Earthquake pictures)
As of 2:00pm May 18th, the confirmed death toll from the disaster has risen to 32,476, and the toll would possibly rise to more than 50,000 as many, still buried in rubbles, are feared dead. Although we are too far away to join the rescue efforts directly, we are compelled to do everything we can to extend our support.
We at New England Chinese Information and Networking Association (NECINA) call upon everyone including all our members to assist the thousands of victims in the disaster-hit areas in Sichuan Province, southwest China. Please check http://www.necina.org/China_Quake_Relief for latest updates from NECINA.
Here are some suggested avenues to lend your support. Let's join together to help rebuild these people's lives with our love.
1. Make a donation to NECINA - Sichuan Earthquake Fund:
NECINA has set up a special relief fund ("NECINA - Sichuan Earthquake Fund") to pool donations from our members. Check donations can be made to:
NECINA - Sichuan Earthquake Fund
P.O. Box 326
Andover, MA 01810
NECINA will forward 100% of the donations collected to OCEF (Overseas China Education Foundation - http://www.ocef.org/sichuan2008/letter-to-supporters-english.html) to support their earthquake relief efforts. Please provide your email address with your donations if you would like a receipt for tax deduction purposes.
2. Participate in any of the local support activities and donation drives:
In Chinese:
http://www.bostonaidsichuan.org/
In English:
Boston Chinese Sichuan Earthquake Relief Benefit Concert
Host: MIT Chinese Student & Scholar Association
Co-host: Local Chinese community organizations
When: May 25, 2008, 7:30 pm
Where: MIT Kresge Auditorium (Building W16)
Ticket price: $25/$50/$100
Purchase tickets: benefit525@gmail.com
Walk for China Earth Quake Relief
Date & Time: Saturday, 5/31, 10am-2pm
Place: Boston Commons
What: 3 mile Walk inside of Boston Commons and outdoor performance
More details will be available.
Juyuan Middle School Earthquake Relief Fund
3. Raise awareness of this devastating earthquake by putting up posters and distributing flyers in your company (with permission) and in public areas.
(If posters are posted and flyers distributed within a private commercial premise, please get permission from restaurant/supermarket's owner/manager; If you post at your workplace, please make sure you check with your HR and make sure they are ok with it.)
Poster 1:
Poster 2:
quake-relief-2-4x6.pdf
*The information provided above is for information-sharing purposes only and does not imply NECINA's endorsement of any of the above-listed organizations.
NECINA Sichuan Earthquake Relief Group