Clan for Sichuanese rallies to help China quake victims
April Chua
Tue, May 13, 2008
The Straits Times
TIAN Fu Club, an association in Singapore for Sichuanese immigrants with more than a thousand members, galvanised into action after Monday's massive earthquake in southwest China.
Within 24 hours of the temblor, president of Tian Fu Club Tony Du had already made more than 200 calls back to the quake area, to link up with the Chinese authorities and to contact the family and friends of affected residents.
'Many of the calls only started going through after 11 pm on Monday night,' said Mr Du, as communication lines were slowly restored.
Mr Du told The Straits Times that more than 200 of the club's members have managed to make contact with their families back in the stricken province, with none of them seriously injured or killed.
Another one or two residents remained unable to contact their families.
The club has set up an 'earthquake information centre' as a point of contact between China and Singapore.
Residents who require help can call the club at 6337-2508 during office hours. Club members have also started a disaster relief fund collection internally within the Chinese community and about $80,000 has been raised so far.
The club will continue to raise funds until May 24.
There are no plans to collect items such as clothing and medication.
