Groups raise funds for earthquake, cyclone relief
Chinese Cultural Centre organizing fundraising show
Members of a number of Chinese organizations and associations have come together in a show of support to raise funds for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake and the Myanmar cyclone.
Representatives from the groups were at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto in Scarborough on Thursday to announce a series of fundraising events they've put together to raise money.
"I am humbled by the outpouring of community support to both natural disasters. These two devastations have posed a huge challenge to the world wide relief agencies," said Kai To of the Canadian Red Cross.
He said the Red Cross is on the ground in both China and in Myanmar (also known as Burma), adding they are having no accessibility issues in Myanmar as they were already in the country.
Representatives from the gathered groups were already working on fundraising efforts to help those affected by the cyclone when they learned of the devastating earthquake in China.
"This is a very moving and emotional gathering," said Hughes Eng, vice chairman of the Chinese Cultural Centre. "I don't have to tell everyone the two disasters that happened in Asia affected people here on this continent."
The first of the events takes place Friday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pacific Mall, 4300 Steeles Ave., featuring a show, charity sale and donation boxes.
On Friday, May 23 the Chinese Cultural Centre is organizing a variety show, but due to the large interest the venue is being changed.
Jiang Bang-Gu of the Canadian Sichuan Earthquake Relief Committee was on hand to discuss the need and thank the groups for their support.
"We are trying to do what we can at this moment to bring our support and condolences to the victims," she said. "We have enjoyed so much support from other organizations like the Chinese Cultural Centre."
The Canadian Multicultural Council-Asians in Canada is showing its support by including a silent auction and donation boxes at it's Asian Heritage Month gala dinner, which takes place on Sunday, June 1 at the Verdi Convention Centre.
A fundraising dinner and television telethon are also in the works for June.
To said the Red Cross is reporting the death toll in China as approaching 15,000.
"We expect that number will continue to rise, although we don't want that to happen," he said.
He went on to say relief supplies are moving in to the areas where they are needed quickly and aid workers are doing what they can to help the victims. He said as of Wednesday evening more than $500,000 had already been received from individuals.
"This is an amazing outpouring of community support that will allow the Canadian Red Cross to assist victims. Without that help our relief efforts would not be possible," he said.
As the days turn to weeks and months, money raised from fundraising efforts such as those organized by these groups or donated by individuals will be used to not only provide immediate aid, but also rebuild those areas destroyed by the disasters.
"We will work together in the months ahead to help these two countries with the immediate needs and the long term rebuilding process," To said. "With the support I know things will get better."
