ESL/International Students Support Earthquake Victims

Following the news of the terrible earthquake in Sichuan, China that has killed 70,000 people and left over 350,000 people homeless, ESL and International students quickly acted to do something to help victims of the tragedy.

A ribbon campaign and the sale of Chinese souvenirs and origami/calligraphy name cards raised $850.

In addition 35 students, including international students from Mexico, Italy, and Brazil, gathered together to form a choir and perform a popular Chinese folk song at a community fundraising event, "Unite in Love, Rebuild with Hope", which was held on June 4. ECE student, Grace Lou (in photo at right), performed two pieces on the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument. Other Fanshawe students volunteered as photographers, videographers, ushers or parking lot helpers.


The concert raised over $50,000 for the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in China. Funds raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Canadian government, meaning more than $100,000 will go to help rebuild badly affected areas of Sichuan Province.

In photo at right: Carol Ngai, President, Fanshawe College Chinese Student Association, presents Alex Lau, Chairman, London Branch - Chinese Canadian National Committee, with a donation of $1,000 on behalf of ESL/International students and Fanshawe College.