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$4M relief fund granted to help earthquake victims
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The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee has today (Friday) approved a grant of $4.195 million to Hong Kong Red Cross as a contribution to the immediate relief programme for people affected by the recent earthquake in Lijiang and Zhongdian counties, Yunnan.
A government spokesman said the Advisory Committee was concerned about the severe conditions the victims had to face after the earthquake.
"The Committee hopes that the people affected can at least be provided with food and shelter before the Lunar New Year," he said.
To ensure that the grant will be used for the designated purpose, the Hong Kong Government will require Hong Kong Red Cross to submit an evaluation report and an audited account on the use of the grant.
The spokesman noted that public donations and appropriations from the general revenue were the main sources of the fund.
"Members of the public are welcome to donate to the fund for general relief purposes," he said.
Enquiries can be made to the Secretary to the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee at Room 553, East Wing, Central Government Offices or on 2810 3503.
The Advisory Committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary. Other members are Dr Raymond Ch'ien, Mr JD McGregor, Mr Cheung Hon-chung, Mr Lau Chin-shek, the Secretary for Health and Welfare and the Secretary for the Treasury.
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