Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Greetings to all of you from Hong Kong. I am writing to you with a sense of urgency, proposing humanitarian support for the people of China suffering from the widespread coronavirus pandemic.
As you are well aware, the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan has been spreading rapidly to other parts of China as well as neighboring cities and countries beyond human control. As of today, there have been reported more than 7,000 confirmed cases and more than 200 deaths because of the virus infection mainly in China and elsewhere. And the WHO has declared a global health emergency today to alarm global family on the deadliness of the pandemic.
In this midst, the people in China, particularly in Wuhan and nearby cities, are in desperate need of "masks". And with deep concerns, there were suggestions from national movements in our region for APAY to start a "Humanitarian Campaign – Sending Masks to China" as one of the protection measures for its people, in particular, in those areas where the pandemic is widespread.
Thus, after checking the urgent need with the China YMCA and in consultation with my President, I would like to appeal to you – leaders of the national YMCAs in our region – to participate in this campaign. You can join the campaign in two ways:
1. Purchase masks in your country, and send them by air parcel to the National Council of YMCAs of China as below:
To: Mr. Wu Jianrong, General Secretary – National Council of YMCAs of China. 803, 88 North Cao Xi Road, Shanghai 200030, CHINA
2. If it is difficult to buy masks in your country, then you may collect funds for this purpose and let us know the amount of the fund your YMCA will contribute. Then, we will ask other national movements to buy masks, on your behalf, and send them directly to the YMCA of China in your YMCA's name.
We hope that this campaign, though not enough to curtail the deadly pandemic, will ease at least partially the huge suffering the affected Chinese people are going through now. Should you have any query on this campaign, kindly let us know. We will be pleased to answer.
We then look forward to your active participation in this campaign.
With thanks and best wishes, in prayer and solidarity with people in China,
Nam Boo-Won,
General Secretary
Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs
