ASIA/CHINA - “We know that the Catholic community is present and supporting us”: Jinde Charities and Catholics continue work at the earthquake zone, 4 months later

Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) – Four months after the terrible earthquake that claimed the lives of over 70,000 people in the Provinces of Si Chuan (Continental China), the Catholic community continues to offer the greatest help for the population. According to information gathered by Agenzia Fides, as the school year begins Jinde Charities, which was on the scene from the moment of the earthquake, along with other diocesan social service centers like that of Lan Zhou (Province of Gan Shu), distributed over 16,000 yuan (equivalent to 1,600 Euros) to 28 families in need in Lan Zhoy. They have also sponsored 12 students of Yao ethnic background, who could not afford their studies. The local and national media has done several reports on the news, as well.
On August 17, the Jinde Charities staff returned once more to the Wen Chuan district, site of the earthquake’s epicenter, to meet with local authorities and discuss the next aid project, after having handed out 1,000 tents, rice, etc. The psychological help center in Mian Yang (also in the area of the epicenter) is functioning at full capacity. There are also plans for the reconstruction of the center for the elderly, which costs 3,450 yuan. Other projects for rebuilding schools, which will imply more funds, are in their evaluation phase. Three teams of Jinde Charities are dedicated to this work. Many of the local authorities expressed their gratitude to Jinde Charities with these words: “We know that the Catholic community is present and supporting us.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2008)