As the scale of the tragedy in Sichuan has become apparent – with over 40,000 killed, and millions now homeless – people around the world have responded with generous support for the victims and their families, and for all of China. Donations have been coming thick and fast – most of it from within China – according to AP:

“In the week since the quake, donations have totaled $1.3 billion — 85 percent raised within China, the Xinhua News Agency said Sunday, citing the Ministry of Civil Affairs.”

The international corporate world has also been active in helping the relief effort, and those doing business in China, and in particular in Sichuan, have a chance to play an active and positive role for a long time to come. In terms of corporate donations, Xinhua reports that:

“China has received 1.3 billion yuan (185.7 million U.S. dollars) in cash and goods for earthquake relief from multinational corporations (MNCs), joint ventures and Hongkong, Macao, Taiwan-based enterprises as of Monday.

These included 1.192 billion yuan in cash and 108 million yuan worth of relief materials, the foreign investment department of the Ministry of Commerce said.

These donations were from 414 MNCs, joint ventures and Hongkong, Macao, Taiwan-based enterprises.”

China Rises lists some of the donations made by US firms. Google added US$2 million, as well as practical support in the form of a “lost loved ones” search facility – a company helping by doing what it does best. CSR Asia notes that Chinese bloggers are keeping tabs on donations. The UK’s JCB has also been mentioned in dispatches, quickly sending diggers and drivers to the affected area.

No doubt more relief will not have been counted in those figures – which will anyway be increasing daily. Of course many charities have also been active in helping the aid effort, and there are many ways for individuals and companies to help. Here are some pointers and comments from the blogging community:

• CN Reviews: China Earthquake Donation Guide: 24+ ways to give.

• Zhongnanhai: lists notes aid drop-off points at The Bookworms in Beijing, Suzhou and Chengdu.

• China Crossroads: Gives information on UNICEF and Morning Tears, the Charles Foundation efforts, and its sister site, All Roads Lead to China, has also been helping coordinate logistical support.

• China Law Blog: China’s Earthquake: How You Can Help points to the Red Cross and Shanghaiist.

• Shanghaiist: One of the first to issue donation information, it has set up an earthquake page on the blog.

• China Briefing: The blog provides information about tax relief on donations here and here.

• China Vortex: Reports on how Chinese websites are helping the donation drive.

• RConversation: Has been collecting pledges, and also lists ways to donate.

• urgently needed materials for earthquake rescue and relief, and details of how to donate via the Chinese Embassy in London, and is fundraising for direct support of affected Children via the blog’s associated Charity, Mothers’ Bridge of Love (which is supported by China Business Services and the China Business Blog).

There are many more examples, and more will appear. The point is that there are many ways to help. And it is much needed at this time of national mourning in China.

See news sources:

Chinese donate their newfound wealth after quake
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN and CARA ANNA – 2 days ago

Donations from MNCs and joint ventures to China quake zone hit 1.3 …
Xinhua – China
BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua)—China has received 1.3 billion yuan (185.7 million US dollars) in cash and goods for earthquake relief from multinational …

US firms give $30 mln to China’s quake relief efforts
Xinhua – China
“We have been working with the Chinese embassy to keep our members informed of how to support the relief efforts in China,” said John Frisbie, president of …

China quake toll tops 40000
BBC News – UK
The death toll from last week’s earthquake in China has risen to over 40000, officials have said. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external …

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