Chuzhou

Here is a quick video of our trip to Chuzhou SWI, let us know if you recognize or adopted any of the beautiful little babies! click here for video in WMV format

Chuzhou Orphanage had very serious floods in June/July 2003 and we joined others to donate funds to try and rebuild. Half the Sky is a wonderful organization that initially went to Chuzhou to implement programs and build a playground etc. for the kids. They documented the flood with news from Director Dou http://www.halfthesky.org/02CentersPrograms/centers/chuzhouflood.html

I have copied the text/pics here in case they ever take it down for some reason:

8/11/03 Click here to see CHUZHOU FLOOD VIDEO (if this link does not work, please let me know... I have a copy of the video and can link to my website when HTS takes it down... thanks)

THE NARRATION:
From June 21 to July 10, 2003, Chuzhou Social Welfare Institution experienced three major floods where the water depth reached 4.2 meters. 200 walls collapsed, 10 houses around the institution destroyed, and 5 pigpens ruined. In addition, the rains also completely washed away farmyards and vegetation. The kitchen was immersed in water, which damaged all appliances and disinfecting equipment. Total estimated loss is 750,000 RMB Yuan [$61,950]. Red Cross has set up 2 temporary tents providing food and supplies to over 100 elders and children residing in the institution. The water has now subsided, and the staffs recollected themselves and began the rebuilding process. Chuzhou SWI would like to take this opportunity to express their utmost gratitude for the love and kindness you have shown from all over the world. Thank you.
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Click here for 7/25/03 UPDATE
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The first report 7/11/03
FROM CHUZHOU DIRECTOR DOU:
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From June 30 to July 1 , July 4 to 5, and then again on July 10, there were heavy rains. It has caused a serious flood in our institution. In the second flood, the rain fall of the city was 397.3mm, as a result the whole yard of our institution is in the water, the deepest water level is 4.2m. the walls on all sides have been washed down, some buildings in the yard have also washed down. We have moved the children to the second floor of their building. Some electronics were badly damaged. There was a big damage of daily necessaries which caused great difficulties and inconvenience for our daily life. The total loss is estimated to be 700,000 RMB Yuan [$57,820] . Fortunately there is no human loss.

Our problem has drawn great attention from the local government but there are many others who are suffering also. Please, we need the support from all friends who can help us so as to help the children to return back to their normal life and our HTS program back to normal.
Thank you,
Director Dou Rui Hui
Chuzhou Social Welfare Institution

These photos are from previous travelers to Chuzhou that have taken pictures of the city, the orphanage and the playground.

Here are the photos from our trip to the Chuzhou orphanage in January 2003. It was cold and rainy but there was still a lot of warmth from the obvious love and affection that staff were giving the girls.

In September of 2002 Earthplay and Half the Sky went to Lily's orphanage and made a new playground... we thank God for Half the Sky and the work they have done for the little girls in China. You can learn more at: http://www.halfthesky.org and Earthplay