The outbreak of COVID-19 has drawn great attention of the international community. Since the beginning, Peking University Education Foundation (USA) (PKUEF (USA)) has been holding on to the philosophy of building a community with a shared future for mankind and made joint efforts with all walks of life in North America to fight against the pandemic. After launching “Wuhan Relief Aid” in support of China’s response to COVID-19, PKUEF (USA) continued to build communication channels, and initiated “Coronavirus Relief Aid” to unite efforts to fight against the pandemic in North America. As one of the overseas charitable organizations related to Chinese higher education, PKUEF (USA) shouldered its sense of mission and responsibility and became the first of its kind to launch a relief aid program in support of the global fight.

Concern for Motherland: Alumni and Friends of PKU in North America Provide Generous Support in China’s Fight Against COVID-19

At the first stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, which was the most difficult time in China’s fight against COVID-19, PKU alumni and friends in North America poured in their love and support. They overcame various difficulties, supported the purchase of much-needed supplies and cleared the customs clearance channels to facilitate the transportation of these supplies. To unite efforts to help compatriots get through this tough time, PKUEF (USA) launched “Wuhan Relief Aid” program to raise funds to support the fight against COVID-19 in China, which was whole-heartedly supported by overseas friends and alumni. The program, which ended on March 16^th, received a total of $330,750.10 from 60 gifts. Among the donors, there were enthusiastic alumni who have been supporting alma mater for years, young alumni who have come to the United States for further education, friends from universities closely linked with PKU, and retired professors of PKU who live abroad. Overseas alumni and friends have spared no efforts in supporting Wuhan and China through their generous donations.

Cheques mailed by alumni and friends of PKU in North America

PKUEF (USA) has worked closely with PKU Health Science Center, PKU Alumni Association of Houston, PKU Alumni Association of Greater New York and PKU Health Science Center Alumni Association of Washington DC, etc. Through joint efforts, much-needed medical supplies were purchased and donated to support PKU medical teams fighting on the front line in Wuhan, and financial aid and emotional support was provided to more than 230 students with financial difficulties affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donated supplies received by PKU Health Science Center

Universal Brotherhood: Overseas Chinese Shoulder the Responsibility

With COVID-19 spreading across the world, many countries, including the United States and Canada, declared a national state of emergency and faced a shortage of medical supplies. PKUEF (USA) worked together with PKU alumni and friends and took immediate actions to support the fight in North America, showing the sense of mission and responsibility of overseas Chinese. PKUEF (USA) donated $120,000 and launched another special relief fund “Coronavirus Relief Aid” to support the global response to the pandemic. In collaboration with PKU alumni associations in Houston, Chicago, Greater New York, Northern California, etc., PKUEF (USA) donated urgently-needed medical supplies to support hospitals and clinics in Chinese communities and hospitals affiliated to PKU partner universities in the most severely impacted areas in North America.

Medical institutes receiving donated supplies in North America

As of May 28^th, the “COVID-19 Relief Aid” program had received 70 gifts,  contributed a total of $188,618.71 to the relief efforts and distributed 64,070 masks, 1,143 pairs of goggles, 1,030 sets of coverall, 1,166 face shields, 1,600 pairs of gloves and 4,500 pairs of shoe covers to 67 medical institutions in the United States. In addition, with the support of PKU Alumni Foundation of Canada, 150,000 surgical masks were donated to support universities and medical institutions in Canada, including University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and the nursing home in the town where Dr. Norman Bethune’s Former Residence was located.

Virus knows no borders. COVID-19 is a common enemy and it can only be defeated by everyone standing together. PKUEF (USA) will continue to work closely with alumni and friends to provide support and assistance amidst these tough times, so as to contribute to the global fight against COVID-19.