At Beijing time 14:28 hours on 12^th May 2008, an earthquake of Richter scale 7.8 happened in Sichuan Province.  This unexpected earthquake, that was strong, widespread and highly destructive has brought great pain and tragedy to the people in the disaster hit areas.  The predicament of the people in the disaster areas has tugged on the heartstrings of many Chinese, so people from all over have quickly gathered funds and relief items for those affected.  On the second day after the earthquake hit, our centre initiated a donation collection of all the staff at the centre.  We have collected over USD$6,000, which was a total donation of RMB$43,060, from 268 staff in just half a day.  We have never seen such speedy response in our previous fund raising drives and the amount collected was the highest in the history of our fund raising efforts.  Many colleagues who were away on work assignments overseas asked others to help them make a donation, after hearing about the drive to raise funds, to show their compassion.  The Chinese idiom of “when there is trouble with one; eight will respond in aid” was illustrated at this moment.  We have used our practical actions to let the people in the disaster stricken areas know that we will always be with them.  We strongly believe that our compassion will bring the people in the disaster stricken areas the hope to rebuild their homes.  There will be rainbow after the rain.

STD and Aids Prevention Centre Human Resource Party Office 

* Translated at CHAIN by Sock Sim Koh

* Edited by Natasha Holt