Dan Hellinger: China Earthquake Relief

Dr. Dan Hellinger (Professor, History, Politics & Law Department, Webster University) is currently (Summer 2008) teaching in Shanghai. He wrote the following email to the Webster University Community (Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:20 PM).

One of my students from Western China asked me to appeal to my friends back home for help for her countrymen and women.

I just read a report that says that Americans are experiencing "donor fatigue" so many natural disasters that we no longer feel compelled to help. America's contributions to China so far are well below what we have raised for emergencies at home and for other disasters, such as the Tsunami.

China's needs are incredible. There are 4.2 million people left homeless. Hundreds of thousands need urgent medical care. The government really is doing its best -- and much discussion about lack of planning for the disaster beforehand. Very interesting. It seems as though the reformers are using the opportunity to raise important political questions that could not be discussed so openly before. But right now, the needs are overwhelming, and international support is needed.

I think it would be great if Webster St. Louis would help out Chengdu, where we have a campus. I know that one of our staff people, Abby, is working hard on relief there. She is fine, but likemany others she isliving in the stdreet because of fear of aftershocks. I've been expecting an institutional response with some concrete aid, but it hasn't materialized yet. No much Rick Foristel can do from here -- initiative needs to be take in St. Louis.

Meranwhile, if any of you want to help, there are two ways:

1. The International Red Cross is active here, as well as several American charities (unlike Myanmar, where the government is keeping out Western groups). You can, of course, get a tax deduciton.

2. My students are collecting funds themselves. What is interesting about this effort is that it is independent of the government or the Red Cross. They are worried about how long it takes to get the aid where it is need through these groups. All over China people are taking initiatives like this. So -- here is an option for you.

Vicki, my student, lives in Wuhan, in the middle of the country, a city that was shaken but not greatly damaged affected by the earthquake. Through her friends and family she is able to send desparately need materials within three days to where they are needed. You would not get a tax deduction if you go this route. Also, you are not going through an established aid agency. However, I trust Vicki and know her well.

If you want to give, send a message to me at hellindc@yahoo.com and tell me how much. I will give the money in yuan, and you can pay me back later in dollars (exchange is almost exactly 7 to 1) in the summer, when I return. Again, if you are more comfortable going through the Red Cross or some other known agency, please do that. Even five or ten dollars would be a big help here. (Feel free, of course, to comment on appeal through the board, but to keep your confidentiality, if would be better to write me at the yahoo address.)

Best to everyone back home in St. Louis

Dan Hellinger

NOTE: The message is reproduced on this "Global Issues in China" blog with Dr. Hellinger's permission. However, Dr. Hellinger requests to please do not forward this message,

"... If it gets around the Internet too much, I might have more than I can handle. I suggest that the class think about bringing a donation to China with them. It's easy to find reputable assistants...."