Sydney aids earthquake-ravaged China
The NSW Government and City of Sydney have together pledged a total of $600,000 in aid funding to help those affected by China’s recent earthquake.
NSW Premier Morris Iemma was joined by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore on his nine-day trade mission to China last week, including a visit to NSW’s sister-state, the Guandong Province.
Premier Iemma announced the Government would provide $500,000 to assist relief work, while Cr Moore offered a donation of $100,000 on behalf of the people of Sydney.
The money will go to the Australian Red Cross China Sichuan Earthquake Appeal 2008, which was endorsed at an Extraordinary Council meeting on Monday.
“While no amount of money can make up for the devastating loss of life, we want to play our part in helping China overcome such a terrible disaster,” Cr Moore said, encouraging Sydneysiders to also make donations.
The official death toll from the May 12 earthquake reached over 60,000 people this week, and is expected to continue to rise with millions left homeless and thousands still missing.
Meanwhile, the City of Sydney opened condolence books at Town Hall House for locals and visitors alike to send their thoughts to the victims of both the Sichuan earthquake and tropical cyclone that hit the coast of Myanmar (Burma) on May 2. They will be available 8am to 6pm at Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney.
