$260,000 China quake relief donation

Thomson Reuters, Reuters Foundation and staff have donated a combined $260,000 to help relief work following the earthquake in China’s Szechuan province.

The Foundation has donated $100,000, supplemented by $100,000 from Thomson Reuters, to be distributed through agencies chosen by the Foundation’s AlertNet International Disaster Fund (AIDfund), an independent grant-making fund. Often working in partnership with local people, the agencies, which are all members of Reuters AlertNet, will receive funding to help them fulfil specific aid programmes. 

Thomson Reuters staff across Asia have set up local fundraising initiatives which have raised $60,000, as well as offering generous donations of blankets and clothes for earthquake survivors. These have been passed to local Red Cross Societies. 

"The earthquake has prompted a tremendous outpouring of support and humanitarian relief from our staff across the region,” said Kenneth Tsui, managing director for North Asia for the markets division.

“The company, its employees and Foundation have responded rapidly to raise and distribute funds for those affected by the tragedy. In such a disaster situation, we will also continue to enable relief agencies to access and share vital news and information that could help improve the situation." 

AIDfund has awarded cash grants to the following non governmental organisations, all of which have a long history of providing relief aid in China:

• Americare $30,000
• Handicap International $30,000
• British Red Cross $40,000
• World Vision International $40,000
• Save the Children $60,000.

​Selected by a committee of humanitarian experts, the programmes will help with basic utilities, food, tents and other forms of shelter. They will also provide child-friendly spaces to support children in their adjustment following the disaster, as well as trained physiotherapists to support the rehabilitation of those injured during the quake.  

Staff who wish to donate can do so through AIDfund online. These donations will help to create a fund for future emergencies. ■