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| The WAB community's response to contributing to earthquake relief efforts has been overwhelming, full of caring and compassion. We appreciate all that the community as done so far, whether it has been through WAB, the PTA Charity Committee or through other channels. |
Dear WAB Community,
Nearly two weeks have passed since the earthquake devastated communities, families and schools in Sichuan province. For those of us here in Beijing, with friends and family in the affected areas, the past days have been especially trying. And for all of us, the countless stories of losses, rescues and sacrifices have been intensely moving. The WAB community's response to the earthquake in Sichuan province has been overwhelming, with students, staff and family members giving generously to relief efforts. As of yesterday, over 100,000 RMB has been collected through cash alone. This amount does not include the scores of blankets, tracksuits and diapers collected by the PTA Charity Committee, or the materials and cash collected by student groups.
As we're all aware, there's a tremendous need for immediate relief in the affected areas, as well as ongoing and long-term support once communities begin to rebuild themselves. As a whole school community, WAB will continue collecting donations, which will be given to the Beijing Youth Development Fund (BYDF). One of the four charitable organizations formally authorized by the Chinese government, BYDF is also the only group focused solely on supporting students and schools. We have decided to focus WAB's school fundraising efforts on raising money for the BYDF. Not only can we rest assured that our donations go directly into education, but, if we raise a total of 500,000 RMB, we will also receive the opportunity to name a new school! The community can contribute by placing cash donations in the donation boxes located at each school reception. Also, over the coming weeks, various student groups and organizations across campus have organized a creative array of fundraising efforts and activities...far too numerous to list here. The community's support and encouragement of student efforts are much appreciated.
As always, the PTA, through the Charity Committee, has responded promptly to relief efforts, by organizing numerous efforts to raise support. They've already begun collecting high-demand items, including blankets, tents, diapers and new/slightly used clothing to be distributed through grassroots organizations that focus on assisting students and schools. The collection of these items continues, and items can be dropped off in collection boxes located at the entrance to each school section.
The PTA has also organized many other efforts to raise support. Tomorrow, at the PTA Fun Fair and Rock in the Park, the community will have various opportunities for giving. Donation boxes will be located at the ticket tables, special activities will be identified as fundraisers, and the proceeds of a silent auction will be allocated to earthquake relief through the PTA Charity Committee. In addition, families will be encouraged to donate leftover tickets as they leave the school; the money for these will be allocated to earthquake relief. Again, the PTA is working closely with grassroots organizations in the Sichuan area that are focused on helping schools begin the long process of rebuilding, so we can be sure that any money collected is going to causes that are most meaningful for us.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the WAB Earthquake Relief Committee, who are coordinating the fundraising for BYDF, by telephoning 8456-4155, ext 6201, or the PTA Charity Committee, who are coordinating a variety of efforts, by writing to liz_durkin@hotmail.com.
Again, on behalf of the whole school community, the Board expresses our deepest sympathy for the Chinese people as they face this enormous challenge. We appreciate all that the community as done so far, whether it has been through WAB, the PTA Charity Committee or through other channels, and hope that you will continue to support fundraising efforts as the recovery process continues.
Frank Whitaker
Board Chair