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China earthquake appeal. Photo: getactive.uk.com

By Andy Tsun

On May 12th 2008, a devastating Earthquake hit Wenchuan County of Sichuan province, China, killing more than 69,000 people and leaving over 5 million homeless. With a magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter scale, this tremor was even felt over 900 miles away in Beijing.

Andy Tsun

Although many British Chinese are integrated in different communities; they are interlinked through various pan-London/UK Chinese societies, schools, and organisations, which have contributed to an incredible spontaneous push to raise relief funds towards the Chinese Earthquake.

Charity Carnival in China Town

One effort, involving Mei Wong of getactive.uk.com, raised £70,000 by organising a carnival in China Town involving dance and music, which: "was only possible through the generosity of the local community and visitors of London."

A month after the Earthquake struck, Mei - along with other groups throughout the UK - passed £800,000 to the Chinese Embassy of London's Earthquake relief fund. In total, so far, various Chinese associations in Britain have raised about £3m.

Continuing fundraising efforts are required to lend a helping hand to those still suffering from the echoes of this disaster. A British-born Chinese designer, Joanne Wong, 26, is doing exactly that.

Joanne Wong

Make A Tomorrow

Her newly formed fundraising group "Make a Tomorrow" hosted a launch event to raise money for victims of the Earthquake, with all proceeds going towards the Red Cross Earthquake relief effort.

The Red Cross are pushing for sanitation and hygiene support for those living in adverse conditions, which not only provides facilities but also education to prevent further water contamination and spread of disease.

Joanne Wong's event - influenced by her Master's in Art course at Camberwell – wasÌý held on the evening of Saturday July 26th at Parker McMillan, Chiswell Street, and was a unique night of fresh music, art and photography. Up to 400 guests were in attendance, and before the event, it was hoped that up to £8,000 could be raised.

Comedians and musicians 'Dead dog in Black Bag', who have appeared on 91Èȱ¬3's "The Mighty Boosh", were the masters of ceremony, providing entertainment and laughter. There were also sales of limited edition artwork from Rod Hunt, Lucy Allen, Per Jose Karlen, Marina Caruso, Vicky Scott and Joanne Wong herself.

69,000 died in the quake

Miss Wong said: "I hope this event helps people to remember that people in China are still suffering the after-effects of the earthquake. They may not be in the headlines, but they should not be forgotten."