Disaster fund releases HK$5m, bringing grant total to HK$316m

A HK$5 million grant was disbursed yesterday from Hong Kong's Disaster Relief Fund to World Vision for relief projects, taking the total value of grants for mainland earthquake victims to HK$316 million.

World Vision Hong Kong has already gathered more than HK$76 million in public donations aside from the grant, and has supplied 500 tonnes of food, 30,000 quilts, 6,000 sets of shelter material and 800 tents. It has also set up three 'child-friendly spaces'.

The conglomerate HKR International also made a HK$2 million corporate contribution to Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, and started a programme to encourage staff to give to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross has received HK$250 million in donations to provide food, tents, clothes and blankets. A Salvation Army spokesman said it plans to send more than HK$3 million worth of food and water to Sichuan tomorrow. It has received more than HK$9 million in donations.

Unicef's office has received HK$30 million to purchase tents, blankets and educational kits. The money will also finance post-trauma counselling.

ShelterBox Australia, a Rotary Club project, is gathering more than 400 shelter boxes to be delivered this week. Each contains 10 thermal blankets, a 10-person dome tent and tools and survival equipment.

Oxfam said it has received HK$21.5 million and netted HK$3 million from charity rice sales last weekend. Another round is planned for the weekend.