Christian Aid has approved a grant of $50,000 to our partner the Amity Foundation to respond to the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit China�s Sichuan province and surrounding areas on 12 May.
The scale of the disaster is immense with an estimated 5 million homes destroyed, but the Amity Foundation has 20 years of experience in relief work has and a strong understanding of the needs of communities affected by the disaster.
Christian Aid funds the Amity Foundation through Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, a global alliance which brings together churches and other related agencies to respond to emergencies around the world.
Bringing essential supplies
The Amity Foundation rapidly deployed staff to the affected region to coordinate the work of several local organisations.
It has provided 1,700 blankets to some of the poorest families and is preparing to deliver 6,300 more. It will also be supplying plastic sheeting to ensure that families made homeless by the disaster have some degree of protection.
Food shortages pose a serious threat to survivors and Amity will be distributing rice to 16,000 of the most vulnerable.
Strong support within China
The Amity Foundation has been heartened by the level of support within the country. The response to an internet appeal launched in China has been excellent, enabling Amity to distribute formula milk and nappies to mothers affected by the earthquake.
Amity is also preparing to send a team of counsellors to the region around Sichuan to support those affected by the disaster.