(Hong Kong．14 May 2008．7pm) The first Hong Kong Red Cross professional volunteer team of 5 has departed for Chengdu, Sichuan to support the local Red Cross in this operation.

As of 6pm, the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) has received donation of about HK$55 million. Meanwhile, a relief plan of HK$15 million has been drawn up for implementation. Major donations include a batch of RMB10 million from the Hongkong Bank Foundation, HK$3 million from the Liberal Party Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund, HK$2 million from the Hang Seng Bank, HK$1 million from the Shanghai Fraternity Association HK Ltd., HK$500,000 from Standard Chartered Bank (HK) Ltd. & Staff members, as well as HK$330,000 from Midland Realty.

Company & Organization in support
Hong Kong Red Cross would like to express our gratitude to the support of corporations and individual donors. As of 6pm tonight, we received donation amounting to HK$55 million. The corporate donation received on 14 May is enlisted below:

In addition, as of 18:00pm tonight, the following companies / organizations will raise fund to support our relief operation (in random order). :

As of evening of 13 May, the Red Cross Society of China has received donation in cash and kind amounting over RMB 100 million for this Earthquake operation.

Difficulties encountered by affected people
“It is raining and cold in Beichuan county at present, and many homeless people have to stay outdoors, the plight of the survivors is of great concern. At the same time, relief staff have to go to the affected area on foot due to destruction of many roads, yet we shall continue to focus on distribution of emergency relief items to the affected people,” said Ms Eleanor Lam, Hong Kong Red Cross Senior International & Relief Officer, who is working in Beichuan county at the moment. “The local Red Cross distributed quilts and tents to affected people, and medical spots were also set up to provide treatment to those injured.”

Blood supply & support
On the issue of blood supply and support required, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service has communicated with the national Ministry of Health, noting that people in Mainland has shown good response in blood donation, and no assistance on blood supply is required from Hong Kong at this moment. We shall keep close contact with the Ministry of Health, and standby to respond when needed.

Appeal
Hong Kong Red Cross appeals to the Hong Kong community for their generous donation to support our relief, reconstruction and disaster preparedness operation in the affected area.

Donations can be made by direct transfer to the “Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund” bank account, or by sending crossed cheque (made payable to the “Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund”) to Hong Kong Red Cross International & Relief Service Department, 33 Harcourt Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Donations can be also made by cash at 7．11 stores. Please specify your donation for Hong Kong Red Cross relief operation.
Photo Captions:

1. 「Purchasing」: Hong Kong Red Cross personnel are purchasing relief food in Chengdu for distribution in other affected areas.

2. 「Red Cross Action」: Staff of Red Cross Society of China implementing relief operation in affected area.

Enquiry hotline: 2802-0021

Media enquiries: