One way of building bridges between nations is generosity in times of need. Especially what i would call relational generosity - money given through or alongside nationals we know. This isn't about getting kudos for giving; its about adding a personal touch to our giving, and makes the world a smaller and more cariung place.
I am talking to my Chinese friends to see how we can do something together with them.
I want to promote the response to the work of my friends in Amity, the Chinese registered church's social welfare / relief and development wing. They do some great work, much of linked with lively local congrgations, and are active in Sichuan. Their page detailing their response is here: Appeal for support to Amity’s earthquake relief work (NB. don't be put off that the page with details of giving is not earthquake specific.)
The Chinese Red Cross also does great work, and Shanghaiist are encouraging people to give through them. Red Cross Society of China now calling for donations for Sichuan earthquake
Update: Care for Children are a charity working to place a very large number of orphaned children in foster care in Chinese families all across China. More here: Care for Children. They work closely with orphanages and have accessed the state of things in the Sichuan area. The Care for Children facebook page has a description of their appeal. There is nothing yet on their main website. Highly recommended.
Update: Care for Children have just posted this: We just had reports of a school of 900 children that are buried alive in a town where we have children placed in foster families, the authorities are desperatly trying to dig them out. To show your concernfor that town, consider a gift to Care For Children as above.
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