The YWCAs and the YMCAs in China took immediate actions after the earthquake struck and responded to the humanitarian crisis on the ground. By May 19, the total amount of contributions made by members, volunteers and staff of the YWCAs and YMCAs in China for immediate relief work came to 554,406.20 Yuan. ($81, 171. 736 USD)

National YWCA and YMCAs respond to relief work

An executive staff meeting was held soon after the earthquake and the roles of the national YWCA and YMCA were identified. A call for action, as well as mobilising support to the Chengdu YWCA and Chengdu YMCA was launched the day after the quake. Respective leaders undertook a working visit to the Chengdu YWCA and YMCA with an exposure leg to the associations outreach project site in the rural areas and programme facilities in the city. Meetings were held between national and Chengdu Ys staff to establish immediate relief and the long-term community rebuilding and rehabilitation needs.

The national YWCA and YMCA made staff gifts to support the repairs of a temporary shelter for orphans who were in desperate need of shelter, water and food after the quake.

On the front line: Roles of Chengdu YWCA and Chengdu YMCA

The city of Chengdu is situated 92 kilometres from the epicentre of where the earthquake struck. The YWCA of Chengdu experienced shocks that completely destroyed the orphanage and caused major leakages in the school buildings. Immediate action was taking by both associations as an appeal for donations was launched calling for clothes, blankets, food and money. Chengdu YWCA and Chengdu YMCA respectively made donations of 20,000 Yuan RMB for immediate relief in the seriously hit areas of the region.

Both associations worked tirelessly to repair the orphanage and provide shelter to students so they could resume their studies as soon as possible. An appeal for taking in 20 orphans was submitted to the government department and both associations are in contact with partner schools in quake-hit areas.

Long-term community rebuilding and rehabilitation is now the focus of the YWCA of Chengdu and they currently have a team in place addressing the pressing needs of the local communities.

Xiamen YWCA and YMCA: Fundraising Efforts through the Internet

Although limited by small staff numbers, Xiamen YWCA and YMCA turned to the Internet to raise funds for earthquake victims. Both associations made appeals to Board members, members and volunteers via their website and through emails. Their calls for help did not fall on deaf ears and 15,000 Yuan RMB was raised in a few days and sent to the YWCA and YMCA of Chengdu for their relief work.

Guangzhou YWCA joins Allied meeting for NGO’s in relief work

The YWCA of Guangzhou made a contribution of 38, 645 Yuan RMB for immediate relief work through charity events they helped co sponsor in several local communities. On May 16, an Allied meeting for NGO’s roles in relief work was held at the YWCA with an agenda that focussed of Social Work Aid in relief work.

Beijing YWCA: Round the clock service for donations and messages of support

Beijing YWCA set up a round the clock service for donations. Donors were also able to leave messages of solidarity and support to earthquake victims in a special booklet or the YWCA website. On May 19, the YWCA of Beijing donated 50,000 Yuan RMB to Beijing Red Cross.

Wuhan YWCA fundraising efforts

The fundraising efforts of YWCA board members in Wuhan raised 6,753 Yuan RMB and another contribution of 31,200 Yuan RMB was made by the association for immediate relief work.

Tianjon YWCA prove age is no exception in humanitarian situations

YWCA members of all ages, including 90 year old members, helped raise funds of 7,270 Yuan RMB for the YWCA of Chengdu and their relief efforts. News bulletins from the national YWCA were circulated to members and volunteers for information updates.

Hangzhou YWCA: Initiative for ‘Allied Mothers’

'Allied Mothers’ is a volunteer fellowship initiated by Hangzhou YWCA with involvement of other community based organisations. An ‘Allied Mothers’ charity event raised 46,000 Yuan RMB for humanitarian needs. More than 10 YWCA members expressed their wish for adopting orphans from quake hit areas.

Xi An YWCA fundraising efforts

The Xi an YWCA raised funds of 4,595 Yuan RMB for earthquake victims.

Shanghai YWCA: Stick to Mission, Witness Gods Love

The Shanghai YWCA Centennial celebration turned into a blessing ceremony for people living in the quake hit areas. Participants expressed their condolences and support by giving contributions at the event.

Plans for community rebuilding and rehabilitation have been identified by the Shanghai YWCA and will focus on:

1. Provide psychological therapy and counselling to earthquake survivors.

2. Organise a team to visit the quake spot, identify immediate and long term needs, establish partners and set up orphanages and nursing homes for the handicapped.

3. YWCA and YMCA 2008 ‘Thousand Hand’ Project will reach out to quake hit areas and its vicinity.

4. A fundraising event for praying and support for people in quake-hit areas will be established.

Nanjing YWCA and YMCA: Fundraising in the Rain

Despite heavy rains in Nanjing on May 17-18, over 60 YWCA and YMCA people came to the city’s shopping area for fundraising efforts for relief work in Sichuan. The general public responded well and 36, 692.50 Yuan RMB was raised for medicine and other immediate needs for earthquake victims.