WASHINGTON, Friday, June 06, 2008 — Today, the American Red Cross, Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting a forum on the response to the devastating earthquake that struck Sichuan province, China, on May 12. In attendance are more than 30 leaders from humanitarian organizations, the business community and government that are providing relief to earthquake survivors. President George W. Bush is also attending the meeting to participate in discussions and thank the organizations involved in this relief effort.

“We have seen an outpouring of compassion from across America, with more than 80,000 individuals and 60 corporations giving to the American Red Cross to provide much-needed support following this devastating earthquake,” said Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross. “While we can never bring back the lives that were lost, we are committed to working together to ensure a full recovery for those affected by this disaster.”

Today, the American Red Cross pledged an additional contribution of $10 million to support the China earthquake relief and recovery efforts. This brings the total contribution by the American Red Cross to $20 million. Additional assistance will be provided as the long-term needs are identified.

This forum reinforces the importance of collaboration among the private and public sectors for disaster preparedness and response efforts.

"The American public and U.S. companies are deeply concerned for those who have been affected by the earthquake in China," said John J. Castellani, president of Business Roundtable. "Our members responded quickly to mobilize their resources to accelerate recovery efforts on the ground.  We now look forward to working closely with the federal government and NGO community to help rebuild lives and communities, and encourage economic growth and stability in China and around the world.” 

The American Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, with more than 186 members and nearly 100 million volunteers worldwide. Almost immediately, the Red Cross and its partners in the humanitarian community began to mobilize a large-scale response. Within hours, the Red Cross Society of China sent relief workers and supplies to the affected area, and more than 35,000 staff and volunteers are providing ongoing support to survivors.

While the immediate response has been robust, there are massive long-term needs in the area, such as restoration of houses and schools, water and sanitation, and medical services, as well as support for relocated communities. With more than 15 million people displaced and more than 5 million left homeless by the earthquake and its aftershocks, it will take several years for people to recover fully from this disaster.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.