Sichuan Earthquake

The thoughts of the whole WAB community are with the people of Sichuan province who are suffering the devastation of the May 12 earthquake. We especially think of WAB families and staff members with relatives and friends in the affected areas. We extend our support to those WAB families who have family members and friends currently in Sichuan working with relief agencies in providing support to the victims of this terrible disaster.

WAB has formed an Earthquake Relief Coordinating Committee. The Committee will coordinate community efforts to support the relief effort. Families who wish to make cash donations to the Red Cross Society of China may do so using donation boxes located at the WAB ES, MS and HS receptions. In addition, blood donations can be made at Beijing United Hospital.

Next week, the PTA will be collecting donations of blankets/duvets and tracksuits, which will be sent on to the Red Cross Society of China for distribution in stricken areas. Parents may drop off their contributions in the ES Foyer from May 19 - 23.

As a whole school community, WAB held a minute of silence on May 16, during which all students, teachers and staff were encouraged to focus their thoughts on all who have suffered and will continue to suffer as a result of this earthquake.

On May 15, I was approached by one of our Kindergarten teachers, who was keen to share a student's sympathy for the earthquake victims. On her way to the ES Library to visit the PTA Book Fair, she showed her teacher the 50 RMB note and the 100 RMB note in her hand. "This one," she said, holding up the 50, "is for me to buy a book." Then she held up the 100, “And this one I’m giving to help the babies in the earthquake.”

The depth of caring and compassion here at WAB continues to amaze me. At times like this, it’s a blessing to know we’re part of such a caring community.

If you are interested in helping the rescue, please feel free to go directly to these banks or Red Cross sites contribute via wire transfer or credit card donation.

RMB Account:
Bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China,DongSiNan Branch,Beijing
Acct.Number: 0200001009014413252
Acct Name: Red Cross Society of China
Address: No.147 Dongsi South St.
Beijing, China
Zip Code: 100010
Swift Code: ICBKCNBJBJM

USD Account:
Bank: China CITIC Bank Beijing Jiuxianqiao Sub-Branch
Acct.Number: 7112111482600000209
Acct Name: Red Cross Society of China
Address: C&W Tower. No.14, Jiuxianqiao Street, Chaoyang District,
Beijing, China
Zip Code: 100016
Swift Code：CIBKCNBJ100
TEL:86-10-64319780

Credit card donations can also be made via the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/news/in/profiles/Intl_profile_ChinaEarthquake.asp?s_src=pre_aspLink

David Randall
Interim Director