Crisis in China: Heifer's Role
As Heifer International project participants in Sichuan Province and elsewhere continue to recover from the devastating May 12 earthquake, Heifer is planning for the area's long-term recovery. Through gifts of livestock and agricultural training, Heifer will help communities regain what they have lost.
Heifer has a long history in China and is committed to helping these families rebuild their homes and livelihoods through community aid abroad.
Donate now to support rehabilitation efforts in China
China Crisis History
China's Sichuan and Chonging provinces were hit May 12 by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake. According to the latest reports, more than 69,000 have been killed and thousands more left homeless. Thousands of aftershocks, some very strong, have damaged structures that remained standing after the initial shock.
With 28 projects in Sichuan and Chonging, Heifer supports more than 8,000 families in the affected area. The area is mountainous, and the houses of rural farmers there are mainly made of stone or brick; collapses can be devastating to those inside. There has been and will be a great need for assistance to restore farming and animal production in the disaster areas because of food shortages and lack of income after the quake.
Heifer's agricultural development Chinese program began in 1985 with just three projects. Since that time, Heifer China has made significant achievements. By 2007, more than 60,000 households had been provided with over 4.5 million gift animals including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, silkworms, pigeons and geese. The program has been recognized nationwide as a model of sustainable development.
Heifer’s central office is in Chengdu just 50 miles from the epicenter of the quake.
Heifer Response to China Crisis
Heifer is an agricultural development agency rather than an emergency relief agency, but Heifer's staff immediately set to work collecting supplies to send to the devastated region after the quake. Even before relief agencies depart, Heifer will begin efforts to redevelop damaged farms and communities to restore its projects there.
To date, Heifer has implemented nine China rehabilitation projects, responding to snowfalls, landslides and floods. During the implementation of these projects, Heifer has accumulated rich experience in rebuilding and rehabilitation. This experience will help Heifer meet our goal of restoring the lives of 4,000 families through community aid in China. Heifer will focus on helping these families become self-reliant while strengthening their readiness to withstand future disasters.
Quake victims have also been aided by Heifer groups around China. One of the most inspiring stories comes from Anhui Province, far from the quake, where Heifer project participants acted as donors in assisting affected families in Sichuan.
How you can help
By giving to Heifer International, you are helping provide opportunity to those who have lost so much. Donate a gift animal now.
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