Sheffield help after China earthquake

23 May 2008

The University of Sheffield was deeply saddened to learn of the serious earthquake which hit south-east China recently, with an estimated death toll of some 20,000 people and many thousands missing and injured. Our condolences go to all those affected by this tragic natural disaster.

Students at the University raising money with British Redcross

International student support services at the University have offered and will continue to offer advice and support to our over 1,000 Chinese students at this time, particularly given the fact that a significant number come from the region affected. University staff are working with both the University's Chinese Society and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association to ensure that students are aware of the support available.

Fundraising to support the earthquake victims

Students and staff have been quick to respond to aid agency calls for donations. Students from the Chinese Society and Chinese Students and Scholars Association, supported by other students and the Union of Students and academic departments, raised almost £11,000 in donations in a few days.

The money raised will support the vital emergency relief work carried out by the British Red Cross after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China. The CSSA, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, rallied over 40 participants to shake buckets, create poster boards and raise awareness of the human disaster left in the wake of the Sichuan Earthquake.

Over 1000 Chinese students currently study at the University of Sheffield, and the success of the appeal is in no small part due to their unwavering support. According to Xiongwei, Chair of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association:

"We started the fundraising for china earthquake appeal to reflect the strong feelings of all the Chinese Students and Scholars in Sheffield. The results are marvellous and thanks to all the volunteers; you did a wonderful job."

Students were joined by academics and individuals wanting to get involved, and supported by the RAG Committee, the Students Union Raising and Giving fundraising committee.

The Red Cross China Earthquake Appeal has communicated its thanks "to all Sheffield University staff and students connected with the fantastic fundraising effort. To mobilise such a strong team of enthusiastic volunteers in short space of time was a brilliant achievement but to raise so much money was outstanding!"

Anyone wishing to donate to the Chinese Earthquake Appeal can do so online at:

British Redcross China Earthquake Appeal

The University is also supporting the efforts of the local Chinese residents community in their Sichuan Earthquake Appeal, and a collection is taking place on the University campus on 28 May.

Links with China and the Chengdu region

The repercussions of the news of the earthquake were felt in particular in Sheffield, which is home to 1,014 Chinese students and many Chinese staff, and which is frequently opens its doors to the wider Chinese community in the city, for example at the large scale Chinese New Year celebrations which are hosted on campus. Many academics also have strong working links with China, and the University of Sheffield is home to a Confucius Institute, one of 100 around the world which promote Chinese language and culture.

The city of Sheffield also had particular reason to express its concern and support, as Sheffield has a historic understanding and partnership with the city of Chengdu – only 50 miles from the epicenter of the earthquake - and the University has previously made visits to that city as well as hosted visitors from Chengdu in Sheffield.

Colleagues from the city were in Chengdu at the time of the quake, and responded by offering any support they possibly could, including donating blood. In a wider note of concern, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield sent the city's condolences to the people of Chengdu, and with the full endorsement of the University offered our support in the weeks and months to come.

The city is fully cooperating in a Sheffield-wide Sichuan Earthquake Appeal, including participation by the Confucius Institute, Sheffield Chinese Students and Scholars, the Sheffield Chinese Community Centre, HSBC, Sheffield United Football Club and both of the city´s universities.