On 12 May 2008, a massive earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale struck Sichuan Province’s Wenchuan County. The earthquake left 88,000 people dead or missing and nearly 400,000 injured. The earthquake damaged or destroyed millions of homes and caused extensive damage to basic infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, roads and water systems. The quake struck during the early afternoon when almost every school-aged child in Sichuan was in a classroom. More than 12,000 schools in Sichuan and 6,500 schools in Gansu were damaged or destroyed.

Porsche China joins hands with UNICEF to provide relief efforts to children affected by the earthquake. The aid to earthquake victims is the first step in a long-term cooperation between Porsche and UNICEF in China to provide support to Chinese children in need. Activities cover the areas of public health, education, water and sanitation and child protection services. These efforts reach millions of children in China every year. Porsche contributed to UNICEF’s work in the early recovery period immediately after the earthquake. These efforts included providing supplies in the form of tents, blankets and school supplies to children in the affected areas. Other short-term priorities were prevention of infectious diseases through securing access to clean drinking water, and psychological support to children traumatised by the disaster.

In addition to a donation of 500,000 euro (equal to CNY 5.4 million) from Porsche China, Porsche dealers across the country have also contributed extensively to funding this ongoing cooperation with UNICEF.

The continuous efforts of Porsche have developed a stronger alliance with UNICEF to help children in need. Under an initiative entitled “Empowering the Future”, Porsche has continually sought to contribute to better education and school life for disadvantaged children throughout the country, giving them access to a brighter future. “Empowering the Future” is driving Porsche Centres throughout the country to rally for contributions and support in various programmes.

The Mobile Educational Training and Resources Units Programme is a highlight among the ongoing efforts of Porsche for the support of rural development and educational programmes throughout China.