Global Sources Aids Quake Victims

Global Sources, the Hong Kong-based producer of such tradeshows as the China Sourcing Fairs, and its employees will donate up to RMB 1 million ($143,000) to aid those affected by the massive May 12 earthquake that killed, injured or displaced hundreds of thousands in southwestern China.

Employees also have volunteered for relief efforts in the Sichuan region, and the company is exploring ways to help communities rebuild hospitals and schools.

So far, Global Sources has allocated RMB 500,000 ($72,000) for charity and plans to match employee donations of up to RMB 250,000 ($36,000), for a total donation of up to RMB 1 million.

“The Sichuan earthquake that occurred last week was a tragedy that hit us hard,” said Camellia So, Global Sources general manager of corporate affairs.

Global Sources Chairman and CEO Merle A. Hinrichs said the company confirmed all of its employees in the region were safe and will now focus on helping those affected by the disaster.

More than two-thirds of Global Sources employees live and work in mainland China, he added, and the earthquake deeply affected the company's offices in China and around the world.

Hinrichs said after a careful review of dozens of charities and the needs of those affected, Global Sources decided the most appropriate plan was to provide funds and assistance.

In addition to the immediate financial and material support, “we are planning for a long-term commitment to help residents of Sichuan rebuild, including forming a team of volunteers to directly assist in the school building project,” So said.

Global Sources will funnel its donations for the school rebuilding project to the China Youth Development Foundation. It also will donate to the Half the Sky Foundation to provide care for children orphaned by the earthquake; the local Red Cross chapter in Guang Yuan, a particularly hard-hit area; and the Red Cross of China, which has volunteers in the affected areas actively assisting with relief efforts.