World Vision rushes aid to 10,000 China quake survivors

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 14 /CNW/ - World Vision is rushing aid to 10,000earthquake survivors in southwestern China, including blankets and tents forchildren and families left homeless. Children, who were buried or trapped in collapsing schools and homes,comprised a high percentage of the casualties. "This disaster is so tragic,especially for children. Many of those who survived the quake learned thattheir parents and classmates had not," said World Vision Canada managerAlice Chin Ho. Ho says that World Vision has more than 700 local staff in China whobegan to mobilize soon after news of the quake broke on May 12. An emergencyassessment team is travelling to the stricken area to assess damages and bringin preliminary supplies. The team is experienced in disaster relief, mostrecently providing aid to thousands of people affected by severe winterblizzards and to survivors of the March earthquake that struck Xinjiang innorthwestern China. Canadians have been responding generously to World Vision's appeal for$100,000 for emergency relief, says Ho. "World Vision donors worldwide sponsor75,000 children in China, including 10,500 sponsored by Canadians. We arethankful that none of these children were affected by the quake, but ourdonors and others have been calling in to ask what they can do for childrenand families who lost everything. It seems that China holds a special place inthe hearts of many Canadians." Those wishing to help can visit WorldVision.ca or call 1-800-268-5528(English), 1-800-363-5021 (French) or 1-800-268-2776 (Chinese). World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organizationdedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcomepoverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion,race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visitwww.worldvision.ca.