In May 2008, the Singapore Soka Association (SSA) partnered humanitarian organization Mercy Relief to raise funds in the aftermath of tragic China Sichuan earthquake. Members and friends of SSA helped raised a total of S$147,961.13. Besides providing immediate aid to the victims, the funds were also used to support reconstruction in the affected area.
In January, some eight months after the devastating disaster, Mercy Relief (MR) has completed all of its seven reconstruction projects in the Ziyang prefecture. In the MR delegation that traveled to Ziyang to witness the inauguration ceremonies was SSA Chairman Ong Bon Chai, who is also Mercy Relief’s Vice-Chairman. Others who attended included various funders and MR’s Goodwill Ambassador, Singapore homegrown singer Stefanie Sun, who also helped appealed for funds last year.
The seven MR’s post-earthquake projects amounting to S$1,212,000 included the reconstruction, expansion and restoration of three local schools, as well as the reconstruction of a home for the aged, a health clinic and two bridges. In all, more than 3,000 persons mainly students and villagers, would benefit from these projects.
