Los Angeles County has been plagued by several wildfires, which are still raging, having destroyed tens of thousands of homes and displacing over one hundred thousand residents. The plight of the affected individuals has garnered deep sympathy from the local Chinese community. On Thursday (the 9th), the Chinese Democratic Party Headquarters organized a special charity event.
On that day, nearly twenty Chinese residents, led by Vice Chairman Jielijian of the Chinese Democratic Party Headquarters, visited the “Pasadena Convention Center,” a shelter for victims of the Eaton Fire, to donate essential goods to the affected people, including some who are recent immigrants to the United States.
Witnessing Americans suffering from natural disasters, over a hundred thousand residents being evacuated, and vast forests and neighborhoods being consumed by fierce flames, they were not only shocked but also hoped to lend a helping hand to the victims in overcoming this difficulty.
They raised funds themselves, went to the supermarket to purchase hundreds of blankets, pillows, instant noodles, bottled water, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other daily necessities, and then drove to the shelter with the vehicle filled with relief supplies. The shelter has accommodated several hundred victims, many of whom are elderly transferred from affected care centers.
Jielijian expressed that the ongoing wildfires have left countless victims homeless and displaced, and he felt a sense of pain, hoping to provide some help and warmth within his capacity, stating, “The United States has granted us protection from persecution by the Chinese Communist Party, granting us freedom and human rights; we should give back to America, safeguarding the security of this land of freedom.”
Many Chinese individuals took time off work to participate that day. When they requested leave from their companies to join the relief efforts, many Chinese employers showed their support.
Li Jianxun, who immigrated from China to the U.S. two years ago, immediately responded to the call for donations and took responsibility for driving to procure and deliver donated goods. He said, “Although our resources are limited, they carry our gratitude towards the American people.”
Li Jianxun mentioned the timely assistance he and his family received from the U.S. government and welfare agencies during their application for political asylum, “Arriving in a foreign land with no relatives, the U.S. government not only assisted in enrolling the children in school promptly but also provided support in daily life aspects, allowing me to experience the inclusiveness of a free democratic country and the sincere warmth of the American people.”
At the event, Zhang Lei, a member of the Chinese Democratic Party, also expressed her deep sorrow upon hearing about the wildfires, stating, “I hope that these donations can help the affected people get through the cold nights and feel the care and support of society.”
Despite facing economic difficulties, Miao Zongqiang, a physically disabled new immigrant, donated multiple bundles of bottled water. He prayed for strength and courage for the victims in their adversity, emphasizing, “In the face of disaster, each act of kindness and support from us is crucial.”
Jielijian himself contacted the responsible person at the Pasadena shelter and expressed willingness to volunteer and dedicate more time to assisting the victims.
Just as he organized the charity event, he received false accusations of arson. He has reported the relevant clues to the FBI, hoping they will investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of the slander.