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Updated Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:28 am TWN, The China Post news staff

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Outpouring of support from AIT and overseas

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Typhoon Morakot relief donations poured in from many in the United States, including the overseas Chinese nationals residing there, following reports of the worst flooding in half a century in Taiwan.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) yesterday made a contribution of NT$8,215,000 (US$250,000) to the Taiwan Red Cross in response to the natural disaster.

According to CNA reports that cited the U.S. State Department, the United States had not received a request for aid from the Taiwanese government, but added that should there be a call for assistance, the country would be able to tap into its resources in the greater Asian region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a press conference yesterday that the government expresses its gratitude for the influx of help extended from countries such as the United States and Japan amid continued relief efforts.

Chen Ming-zhen, a MOFA spokesperson, explained that as of now, the country does not plan to seek help elsewhere for local recovery operations but is grateful for the offers.

Robert Wang, the acting director of the AIT, said the de facto embassy would like to convey its deepest sympathy for the victims and their families and hopes that their grant, provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, will be used to provide immediate assistance to households affected by Typhoon Morakot.

Wang went on to say that they are confident the Red Cross will be able to provide in the most efficient and effective assistance possible to alleviate the suffering and hardship of the typhoon victims.

When accepting the check from the AIT, Taiwan Red Cross Secretary General Chen Shi-kuei said that the organization would bring the money to those in dire need and to relay to victims that the help was made on behalf of the United States.

At present, every devastated region requires very different rescue efforts. While some count on immediate infrastructure rebuilding, others need more help with victim resettlement or aid, Chen added.

U.S. Nationals Raise Funds

Communities of ethnic Taiwanese in New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles scrambled to help raise funds for Typhoon Morakot relief, local media reported.

Amid reports of a flood-stricken island, donation drives in Flushing, Queens, New York led by religious, cultural and business groups garnered tens of thousands of dollars to help victims and their families in Taiwan, said CNA.

The Flushing Chinese Business Association in particular donated US$35,000, while three former and current directors of the Taiwan Center in New York collectively donated US$30,000, said reports.

Over at the U.S. capital, female overseas Taiwanese nationals scrapped plans to celebrate Moon Festival and in its place will be throwing a fundraising gala at the Winston Churchill High School.

In Southern California, the Sino-American CPA's Association followed suit with similar actions taken ten years ago following the earthquake that struck the heart of Taiwan on Sept. 21, 1999.

To encourage individual contributions, the organization has applied for a disaster relief effort team charitable trust designation with the Internal Revenue Service so as to allow for tax deductible charitable donations for Overseas Taiwanese taxpayers, according to the CNA.

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