Introduction
On April 14, 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Qinghai Province in northwestern China, including the Yushu prefecture. The earthquake affected thousands, destroying 85% of the houses near the epicenter. At least 400 people were found dead, and another 10,000 were injured by the quake and aftershocks. Moreover, many of the affected communities are in rural and isolated areas, which complicated the logistics of supplies and aid. The hardest hit areas are 15 hours by road from the closest city, Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. This distance was further complicated by damage done to roads by the quake.
Leveraging its network of advisors and partner NGOs in China, Give2Asia was able to respond effectively to the disaster in Qinghai by targeting the unmet needs of survivors beyond the initial relief phase of the disaster. In the case of the Qinghai Earthquake, Give2Asia partnered with two groups — the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation and the China Women’s Development Foundation — to carry out projects for the long-term needs of families impacted by the disaster. These groups worked specifically to provide survivors with resources to cope with the cold winter, which in this region can last as long as 7 to 8 months.
Give2Asia raised US$83,000 to fund two projects, with generous contributions from the Committee of 100, Henry Schein Cares, ITT Corporation, the Sanctuary Fund, anonymous donors, and contributions and matching gifts from IBM and its employees
Winter Shelters for Affected Families
Partner: China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA)
A majority of the families affected by the Qinghai harsh winters. In partnership with Give2Asia, CFPA purchased heavy cotton tents for farmers and herdsmen living in agricultural areas. The earthquake damaged much of their property, and many found themselves unable to properly survive through the winter without warmth and protection from the elements. CFPA researched and purchased the most suitable cotton tents for the affected people and the weather. All of the recipients of the 135 tents provided by this project were living in disaster-stricken areas, and many of the households that received tents from this project were single, elderly, or disabled people.
Winter Clothing for Women & Children
Partner: China Women’s Development Foundation (CWDF)
Many women and children were affected by the Qinghai Earthquake, including those who are financially disadvantaged or from single-parent homes. CWDF, in partnership with Give2Asia, implemented the “Yushu Warm Winter Project.” Through this project, CWDF provided 180 winter jackets to women and children in the Yushu County area. The Yushu prefecture was one of the worst hit areas and is populated by many low-income families whose homes were severely damaged by the quake. During the project, 90 jackets were given to children, some of whom are orphaned or disabled, and 90 jackets were given to financially disadvantaged and elderly women.
In the fall of 2010, CWDF conducted research to find the most cost-effective and warm jackets to keep the recipients warm through the cold winter months. The women’s jackets were distributed by the Qinghai Women’s Federation.
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