Local government officials pictured with Red Cross representatives and students

Guests officiating school unveiling ceremony

At the ceremony, students showing of blessings in sign-language

In Ya'an City today, Macau Red Cross (MRC) held the "4.20 Lushan Earthquake Reconstruction Project Completion Ceremony". MRC Central Council President Eddie Wong expressed Macau community was deeply concerned for the natural disaster in Mainland, and generously donated approximately RMB20 millions to MRC for assisting eight reconstruction projects. It is hoped the beneficiaries will appreciate the spirit of Red Cross, and give back to their own community. Also, they would share Macau compatriots' feeling of 'blood is thicker than water'.

RMB20 million donation for eight reconstruction projects

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Che Ling Middle School in Mingshan District of Ya'an City was held today, and was officiated by Member of Standing Committee under the District committee of the CPC, Liu Yung, Vice President of the China Red Cross, Wang Yu Peng, Vice President of Central Council of the Macau Red Cross, Chou Kuok Hei, Executive Vice President of the Sichuan Red Cross, Ran Mao Qin. After the ceremony, all guests also toured the Fuchun township elementary school, Jiuxiang township maternity/child health care hospital and the bridge in Hanyuan County.

In President Eddie Wong's speech, he said that MRC swiftly raised approximately RMB20 million, soon after the Lushan earthquake disaster. With the coordination of the local government and all levels of the Red Cross Societies, MRC constructed two schools, a maternal/child health care hospital, a disaster preparedness repository, two health centers and two village-type bridges.

During the process of selecting reconstruction sites, MRC incorporated concept of precise poverty alleviation in rural area, with understanding of actual need of the villagers, and resolved underprivileged residents' commuting problem. In the past four years, with the concerted efforts of various parties, all the reconstructed projects, benefitting around 230,000 people, have been completed and put into full operation. It is hoped that the local residents will have better education, alleviated medical facilities and lifelihood. It would also enable the public to share the concerns of the Macau residents that 'blood is thicker than water'.

Recently, the Chinese Communist Party held the 19th National Congress. In his report, General Secretary Xi Jinping again raised poverty alleviation to a new strategic level with new ideas, new goals, new requirements and new tactics. MRC fully understands the concepts and exerts its own advantages and actively participates in such work. MRC will contribute to the development of the country, on the basis of ¡§What the country needs" and to unleash "What Macau excels in".

MRC staff close supervision

Liu Yung claimed that during the entire construction, MRC dispatched personnel to supervise and direct the process with pragmatic and efficient style, leaving a deep impression to the local staff. He also encouraged his students to be always grateful and study diligently.

Wang Yu Peng pointed out that through MRC, Macau community conveyed love and concerns to the needy areas in Mainland, so as to increase closer relationship and mutual understanding between these two regions. The local residents highly treasure Macau's love and tremendous support, and will manage cautiously the hard-won reconstruction projects without letting down the compassion of their Macau compatriots.

At the ceremony, students delivered blessings in sign-language, and conducted guided tour to the school facilities.