On May 12, 2008, the Great Sichuan Earthquake rocked China. The mammoth quake was measured at an 8 magnitude. The earthquake’s epicenter was in Wenchuan County 80km northwest of the Sichuan capital, Chengdu. Shockwaves were felt as far as Beijing (1,500km away) and Shanghai (1,700km away). The extent of the devastation was massive. By July, figures estimated that nearly 70,000 were dead, 375,000 were injured and almost 20,000 were still listed as missing. The structural damage to office buildings, schools, homes and roads was immense. The quake left at least 5 million without housing (estimated to be as high as 11 million). In addition, millions of livestock and a significant amount of agriculture were also destroyed.

The enormity of the disaster and its effect on the Chinese people touched everyone throughout the world. With the devastation of this horrible earthquake hitting so close to home, the HAVI Logistics Company and its employees in China were compelled to do all they could to support the efforts. We mourned for the dead and prayed for those who were trapped as well as those who survived. We put forth a major campaign to raise funds for the Chinese Red Cross. Our efforts helped raise $93,829 in aid.

In addition to providing monetary donations to the Red Cross, many employees donated blood to assist in medical relief efforts. We helped organize a global donation effort from our companies around the world. Donated funds helped the Red Cross Society of China to fly in 557 tents and 2,500 quilts to Wenchuan County. Things have come a long way but, even after almost a year, there is still a long way to go. For those who are looking to contribute to aid efforts underway, you can still donate money to the Red Cross Society of China and the disaster relief group working in earthquake-stricken parts of China.