Emergency Fund Created for Earthquake Relief in China

May 20, 2008

The confirmed death toll in China is now over 30,000, and expected to rise above 50,000 people. The damage caused by this earthquake could exceed the 1976 earthquake in northeastern China.

The implications of this disaster for children in the Sichuan region living in institutions is still not well understood. Fortunately, there have been no deaths or injuries reported from orphanages, though several have been evacuated due to damage and structural instability. Additionally, it is impossible to predict the number of children who will be newly orphaned by the quake. CCAA has been unable to reach some orphanages in the hardest-hit areas.

Linda Lin, our China adoption program manager, expressed, "I’m very saddened and heartbroken to hear about the earthquake. I’ve been thinking so much about the children… I just can’t watch the news. But, I have confidence in China’s government and that they will be able to take care of the situation. We are all part of a family and can take care of these children."

May 14, 2008

Dear Wide Horizons Friends and Families,

As all of you are probably aware, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck western China on Monday in Sichuan Province. The latest updates show that 15,000 people are dead and tens of thousands are buried or missing. The impact on the orphanages is not yet completely known as many of the most affected facilities are in areas not easily accessed. However, not only are children in orphanages at risk, but many children may have been separated from their families, orphaned, physically hurt, and emotionally traumatized.

WHFC is currently working to find more information on the status of children in the areas most affected by the quake. At this time the information we have is very limited. However, Linda Lin is in contact with our partner in China, CCAA, and we are working to identify any emergency needs arising from the earthquake and aftershocks and are committed to responding to these needs.

We are setting up an emergency fund for earthquake relief in China. These donations will be used to help children affected by this disaster, including emergency and long-term relief to children in orphanages and children who have been separated from their families, orphaned, physically hurt and emotionally traumatized. Depending on the specific needs, funds could be used for food, trauma counseling, medical care and emergency shelter as well as to repair or rebuild institutions that may have suffered structural damage. You can make a donation to this fund using our online donation form and specifying in the comments section that your donation is for China Earthquake Relief, or by sending your check to:

Wide Horizons For Children
Attn: Earthquake Relief
38 Edge Hill Road
Waltham, MA 02451

Sincerely,
Janice Hoffman
Chief Operating Officer

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