China earthquake appeal. Photo: getactive.uk.com

By Andy Tsun

On May 12th 2008, a devastating Earthquake hit Wenchuan County of Sichuan province, China, killing more than 69,000 people and leaving over 5 million homeless. With a magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter scale, this tremor was even felt over 900 miles away in Beijing.

Nearly 5,000 miles West of Sichuan, waves of emotion struck the hearts of the British community, including the hundreds of thousands of British Chinese.  Nearly 50% of the UK's Chinese population live within London: The capital is home to approximately 80,000 people of Chinese origin.

Andy Tsun

Although many British Chinese are integrated in different communities; they are interlinked through various pan London/UK Chinese societies, schools, and organisations, which have contributed to an incredible spontaneous push to raise relief funds towards the Chinese Earthquake.

Charity Carnival in China Town

One effort, involving Mei Wong of getactive.uk.com, raised £70,000 by organising a carnival in China Town involving dance and music, which: "was only possible through the generosity of the local community and visitors of London."

A month after the Earthquake struck, Mei - along with other groups throughout the UK - passed £800,000 to the Chinese Embassy of London's Earthquake relief fund. In total, so far, various Chinese associations in Britain have raised about £3m.

Continuing fundraising efforts are required to lend a helping hand to those still suffering from the echoes of this disaster. A British-born Chinese designer, Joanne Wong, 26, is doing exactly that.

Joanne Wong

Make A Tomorrow

Her newly formed fundraising group "Make a Tomorrow" is hoping to make a difference by hosting a launch event to raise money for victims of the Earthquake, with all proceeds going towards the Red Cross Earthquake relief effort.

At present, the Red Cross are pushing for sanitation and hygiene support for those living in adverse conditions, which not only provides facilities but also education to prevent further water contamination and spread of disease.

Joanne Wong's event - influenced by her Master's in Art course at Camberwell – will be held on the evening of Saturday July 26th at Parker McMillan, Chiswell Street, and promises to be an unique night of fresh music, art and photography. It is hoped that 300-400 guests will attend, and up to £8,000 can be raised.

Comedians and musicians 'Dead dog in Black Bag', who have appeared on BBC3's "The Mighty Boosh", will be the masters of ceremony, providing entertainment and laughter on the night. There will also be sales of limited edition artwork from Rod Hunt, Lucy Allen, Per Jose Karlen, Marina Caruso, Vicky Scott and Joanne Wong herself.

69,000 died in the quake

Music will be provided by special performances from Cherry Suico, Dan Dunnes and the Reels; with DJ Cesar and others, spinning global beats into the night. There will also be a raffle offering prizes such as £100 worth of London restaurant vouchers, a Spa session at a top London hotel worth £200 and other special treats.

Miss Wong said: "I hope this event will help people to remember that people in China are still suffering the after-effects of the earthquake. They may not be in the headlines, but they should not be forgotten."

Make A Tomorrow's special arts and music fundraising night on Saturday July 26th is at Parker McMillan, 47 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4SB.

Tickets are £16 in advance or £20 on the door.

link  http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2008/07/11/china_quake_appeal_feature.shtml