Right after the deadly earthquake hit Sichuan on 12 May 2008, causing millions of deaths, the Lotus Light Charity Society (HK) (“the society”) sent off a voluntary team to assist in relief works. On 7 and 8 May this year, three ambassadors of the society, Richie Jen, Cissy Wang and Qiqi visited Sichuan again to inspect the progress of redevelopment, lending support to the quake-victims with tremendous love and blessing, while witnessing their undeterred strength and resilience.

The three ambassadors had a hurried journey during the two-day trip. Besides visiting The People’s Hospital of Sichuan Province, they attended the 512 Sichuan Blessing Ceremony at Beichuan Chen Jia Ba School and a talent show presented by the beneficiaries of Lotus Light Sichuan Education Fund. All of them were moved to learn that the quake-victims are gradually recovering.

“The People’s Hospital of Sichuan Province – Rehabilitation Center for Quake Survivors”, dedicated to providing training and therapy to disabled or amputated survivors of the Sichuan earthquake, is still home to 56 such patients. The ambassadors of Lotus Light Charity Society (HK), Rickie Jen, Cissy Wang, Qiqi and the Honorable PR advisor Lelia Chow, paid them a visit earlier on.

After listening to the welcoming song “Start from the beginning” supplemented with sign language presented by the disabled survivors, the three ambassadors joined them and learned bead stringing and the art of embroidery. Rickie, who has had his handicraft lesson for the first time, failed to string up the beads after many trials, yet he retried persistently in order to demonstrate perseverance to the survivors.

Before the trip, Cissy and Qiqi thought that the disabled survivors would be depressed. Yet they saw a completely different picture on site. Being able to earn a living by making their own handicrafts deserves great respect.

Wearing the adoring panda tees, the three ambassadors autographed on 10 others which will be put up for online auction, the proceeds of which will be donated to “Beginning from our hearts”, to assist handicapped victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

Rickie’s live performance of three of his famous songs has brought smiles to audience’s faces. All ambassadors were amazed by their positive attitude and shared the view that “it is not that difficult to be happy.”

During the event, 20-year old Yang Mei-mei told Qiqi that she met Qi’s husband Simon Yam a year ago, when she was hospitalized in Guangzhou. Simon gave her a computer as present, and Mei-mei was very grateful for this practical gift and hope that Qiqi can pass on her gratitude to Simon. Despite her disability, Mei-mei asked Qiqi and Cissy their experience in bridal gown selection. Her optimism and initiation has won praises from the ladies.

Quake victims Wu Qing-qing and her mother live on a tough life which is too ghastly to learn

The Lotus Light Charity Society (HK) and ambassador Cissy Wang donated 15 and 10 computers to Dong Lin Primary School respectively. Together with Qiqi and Lelia Chow, the Honorary PR Advisor, they hosted the opening ceremony of the multi-media computer room.

After the ceremony, the three ambassadors chatted and played with students in different classrooms.

Ambassadors Rickie Jen, Cissy Wang, Qiqi and Honorary PR Advisor Lelia Chow gave yogurts and snacks to pre-school children.

The magnitude-8 earthquake, which hit Sichuan on 12 May 2008, has taken the beloved ones and homes of hundreds of thousands of people.
Over the past year, the Lotus Light Charity Society (HK) has set up a “Lotus Light Sichuan Education Fund” for the Sichuan quake-stricken students, providing education assistance to those poor orphans. So far, more than 100 students have benefited from the fund. Rickie also lent his support to five new students.