Beside aids from foreign governments and international organizations, overseas Chinese have also joined hands to offer donations to victims in the quake-hit areas. Many of them told CRI that though they can not take part in the relief work in China, they share the same sorrow and sadness with the victims, and hope their blessings and donations can help them rebuild their homes.
Our reporter Lin Lin has the story.
Reporter:
Donation ceremonies were held in various Chinese embassies in the past few days.
In Qatar, a hotline service has been running around the clock to receive public donations, mostly from Chinese immigrants.
Fang Hong, a Chinese businesswoman in Doha, is one of them. She was in the Chinese embassy with her son and daughter-in-law.
"On May the 13th, I watched the situation of the earthquake on TV all day long. Looking at the victims, I felt very bad. As an overseas Chinese, I can only show my support and sympathy for them through donations."
The businesswoman added that she was moved to tears when she saw Chinese premier Wen Jiabao standing side by side with rescue workers aside the rubbles and comforting the quake orphans. She said she firmly believes that strong leadership and national solidarity will enable her compatriots to get through the natural disaster.
In Thailand, the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, has donated 2 million Thai Baht, or about 60,000 US dollars.
Zhao Zihao, a Chinese citizen living in eastern part of Thailand, called on all overseas Chinese to help their native land.
"Let's do our bit and donate some money to help our brothers and sisters who are suffering from the disaster. This is what all overseas Chinese should do."
Though many of the donators are third or even fourth generation of Chinese immigrants and can hardly speak Chinese, they told CRI they felt deep connections with China.
Chen Hanshi is the chairman of Tio Chew Association, an organization founded by immigrants from China's coastal province of Guangdong. In addition to 2 million Thai Baht donated on behalf of the association, he also gave 4 million Baht, or about 120,000 US dollars, personally.
With 16,000 US dollars donated, Chinese compatriots in Mexico showed their support and good wishes to victims in southwest China.
After giving their donations, they also conveyed their messages to people in the quake-hit regions individually.
"Our urgent wish is to learn that more and more trappers are saved in 72 hours."
"Compatriots in quake-hit areas, we Chinese in Mexico are concerned about you."
"Relatives in the motherland, we will stand together with you at all time."
Lin Lin, CRI news.