Heifer

The 512 Sichuan earthquake has touched the hearts of all the Chinese people around the world. Everyone tried to give a hand to help the victims, and there're people who have pledged to provide support to the sufferers until their homes and their livelihood have been rebuilt. A year has passed since then, has the promised been kept?

In Hong Kong, some children and youngsters have chosen to fulfill their promise by reading books and doing services. They're the participants of Heifer International Hong Kong's Read to Feed and Chores for Change programs. More than 40 thousand students who come from 61 kindergartens, primary and secondary schools have raised over HK$3 million through reading and serving others. All the money raised will be used in Heifer's Sichuan Earthquake Rehabilitation Project, which aims to help 4,000 victim families rebuild their livelihood.

Apart from raising funds to help those in need, Read to Feed and Chores for Change enabled the students to contribute to the earthquake relief by making effort to do something. From the experience they realized that offering help to the less fortunate is what everyone should do.

Let's see what the students have to say : 

"I've taken part in Heifer's Read to Feed program. I've read 19 books and have raised HK$240. When I asked my family and relatives for sponsorship everyone was keen to give a hand. Although it was not a lot of money, what mattered most was the willingness to help......For those who have lost a loved one in the disaster, it's very difficult to face the reality. However, time could not be turned back so what we should do is to treasure every moment you spend with your loved ones from now on."
　　── Hiu Ka Sin (Canossa School (Hong Kong) P6 student, Read to Feed participant)

"I read books almost every day after taking part in Read to Feed. I felt my days enriched because I read more. Although what one can do may be small, but from small increments comes abundance."
　　── Leung Kin Fung (Ying Wa Primary School P4 student, Read to Feed participant) 

"One of the services I pledged after joining Chores for Change was to help my parents take care of my younger sister. From the process of teaching her homework I felt the hardship of being a teacher. Although it's difficult, I will keep on helping her even after the program."
　　── Yip Chung Nga (St Stephen's College Preparatory School P6 student, Chore for Change participant)

Girl from earthquake stricken area expresses gratitude to HK students' support

On the other hand, He Yan, a 13 year old girl from the earthquake stricken area Guangyuan City, sincerely expressed her thankfulness to the Hong Kong students.

The house of He Yan's family collapsed in the disaster and their farmland was destroyed. Heifer helped them build a temporary shelter and gave them food. Her family has also received a herd of goats from Heifer before the disaster, and the number has grown from 18 to over 30 after a year. The goats help He Yan and her family regain hope for the future.

"Thank all the fellow students who gave me help, support, encouragement and care! I will remember your help and I will work hard to become a useful person to the society. I will also pass on your kindness to others in need." said He Yan in a gratefulness-filled hand-written letter.

The earthquake was ruthless and cruel, nonetheless it united people and fortified humanity.