DAB e-WORD

Sichuan – The Long Road to Recovery

Contract signing ceremony: Chen Fang, Chairman of Sichuan Women's Federation (left) and Ip Kwok-him, DAB Vice-chairman (right)

As the victims of the Sichuan earthquake continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, they must also gather their strength and turn their efforts to rebuilding their lives. As they take their next steps down the road to recovery, the DAB will continue to lend a helping hand, focusing on those in most dire need.

Recently, DAB leaders visited Pengzhou, 19 kilometres northwest of Chengdu to assess the situation. The city was one of the hardest hit areas, with up to 98% of houses destroyed in parts, and relief work is now focusing on construction. After discussions with the Sichuan Civil Affairs Department and Sichuan Women's Federation, the DAB identified single parent families in Pengzhou as a part of society that requires urgent assistance.

The DAB's "Family-to-Family Earthquake Relief Programme" has been set up to support this badly affected group and to help them rebuild their homes and their lives. Hong Kong citizens who join the programme will commit to donating HK$333 per month for a period of one year. They will be matched with a family in Sichuan and will receive personal details and regular updates on that family's progress. The programme allows Hong Kong citizens to reach out in a very personal way, and to see the results of their generosity.

In support of this new initiative, the DAB recently announced the cancellation of their Anniversary Cocktail Reception. The money that would usually have been budgeted for this annual celebration will instead be donated to the "Family-to-Family Earthquake Relief Programme". The injection of funds will kick start the programme, ensuring that aid reaches those in need as soon as possible.

We hope that everyone will demonstrate their concern by joining in these important initiatives. Your contribution makes a difference. For further information about the "Family-to-Family Earthquake Relief Programme", please visit our website at www.dab.org.hk.

A poster promoting the family sponsorship programme



Makeshift tents provide accommodation for families whose houses were destroyed by the quake


Children in dire need of assistance