California Chinese open pockets for quake relief

Danies Wang, chairman of California-based bio-tech company E-World USA Holdings, has donated $50,000 to the Yunnan earthquake relief effort through China's Consulate General in Los Angeless. Congresswoman Judy Chu, California state controller John Chiang, California congressman Ed Chau and China's ConsulGeneral in Los Angeles Liu Jian were on hand for the ceremony on Aug 15.

"I have been away from China for many years," Wang said. "Now the people in Yunnan are going through their toughest time. I feel obligated to contribute as much as I can."

Born in Anhui province,Wang moved to Los Angeles in 1997. Hisbio-tech company E-World USA Holdings was established in 2007. His business includes education, financial services, bio-technology, nutrition supplies and e-commerce.

As Wang explained, it is the sixth year E-World USA Holdings has donated to needy people in China who are victims of disasterssince the Sichuan earthquake in 2008.

Of the total $50,000, 40 percent comes from his personal fund.

"It is the largest personal donation for the Yunnan earthquake relief we have received so far," said Chinese Consul General Liu Jian. "I hope more Chinese in California can offer support just like Wang has."

Wang's donation was hailed by Chu, Chiang and Chau.

"When I heard about the terrible tragedy in Yunnan I could not believe how bad it was. Many people don't have anything now. When I heard Mr Wang offered help, I just had to come to this event to congratulate him and to commend him for doing such an amazing thing and helping so many people in Yunnan," said c-Congressman Chu. "I want to thank you for your generosity. This is just tremendous. "

"I want to thank Wang for his kindness," California state controller John Chiang said. "Ｗe all know that after an earthquake there is a huge need for food, for water, for shelter and for infrastructure to be rebuilt. I am grateful that people from California can offer this help."

California Congressman Ed Chau also expressed his appreciation for Wang's donationand encouragedother people to follow Wang's example. "I now call onthe Chinese people of California to stand up and offer their support to the people of Yunnan," said Chau.

Inspired by Wang, 20 Chinese companies and individuals from China Enterprise Council (CEC) made a group donation of $10,858. In just 24 hours, checks have been collected from representatives of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China International Travel Service, ZPMC North America, China Certification and Inspection Group (USA),Unicorn Group USA, China Mobile(USA), East West Bank, China Unicom (USA)，Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry, BYD Motor, Aviation Industry Corporation of China and other Chinese companies in the US.

Another California-based Chinese company EDI Media donated $10,000 to Yunnan earthquake-hit areas through China's Consulate General in Los Angeles.

Liu expressed his appreciation to all the Chinese companies for their contribution. "Chinese people have a tradition that is often expressed as: When disaster strikes, help comes from all sides. I personally thank all Chinese in California for their support to people in Yunnan,"said Liu. "I believe that with such great support from overseas Chinese from California, people in Yunnan affected by the earthquake will soon rebuild their homes."

The death toll from the 6.5-magnitude quake that rocked southwest China's Yunnan province on Aug 3 has risen to 617. More than one million people in Ludiancounty and neighboring counties have been affected. Nearly 230,000 have been relocated to safer areas.

In China, a total of $100 millionhas been donated for Yunnan victims. Relief goods valued at more than$33 millionhave reached the quake zone.

cindyliu@chinadailyusa.com