American Red Cross Convenes Forum on China Earthquake

President George W. Bush to participate in discussions

WASHINGTON, June 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.

You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year,
crises like the Myanmar Cyclone and China Earthquake, by making a financial
gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide
immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance
and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor
intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please
do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or
1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the
American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local
American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online
contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross

American Red Cross Public Affairs Desk, +1-202-303-5551