China Earthquake Relief

PRESS RELEASE

Salvation Army Considers Long Term Plans for China Earthquake Relief

May 21, 2008 – A Salvation Army assessment team is working to identify how best to support the Chinese earthquake recovery effort as the government deals with the horrific aftermath that has left 5 million people homeless and more than 40,000 dead in the Sichuan Province.

Under the leadership of Major Tommy Chan, the three-person team is in Chengdu, Sichuan Province and is working with authorities to see how the organization can be of aid. Salvation Army representatives also are in discussion with other religious organizations to make plans for a trauma counseling program. In addition, Lt. Colonel Merv Rowland, who oversees The Salvation Army’s work in Hong Kong and Macau, and Simon Wong, relief coordinator, are traveling to China later this week to meet with the Government’s Civil Affairs Department to discuss rehabilitation needs.

“The Chinese government’s relief teams are completing their search and rescue efforts. Our own assessment team located in an area where The Salvation Army is well known is liaising with the authorities. Plans for our involvement in the long-term recovery efforts will become clearer later this week,” said Lt. Colonel Rowland.

“The Salvation Army is well placed to participate in the long-term rehabilitation needs as our local personnel have experience working in this region,” said Major Cedric Hills, Salvation Army international emergency services coordinator. “The financial appeal launched in Hong Kong as been received very positively. Already local donations have exceeded $835,000. While we are grateful for this tremendous public support and the trust placed in The Salvation Army, we realize the needs in the area will be extensive.”

View photos of the assessment team in China.

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