Southern California is currently facing three major wildfires, still raging fiercely and causing immense destruction. Witnessing the devastation of countless homes and the evacuation of residents, some Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles have been deeply touched and are stepping up to donate money, hoping to do their part in helping the victims overcome their hardships.
On Thursday the 12th, a group of over ten people led by Jielijian, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the China Democratic Party Headquarters, drove in several vehicles with banners that read “Relief Supplies for the Lyon Fire” and “Chinese Donations Supporting Fire Victims.” They visited three wildfire evacuation centers, delivering bottled water, instant noodles, bread, and other food supplies purchased from Costco to the victims.
“When we see some residents and ranchers in the fire-affected areas leading horses and carrying belongings to evacuate, and many generations of life being swallowed up by the flames in an instant, we feel quite tragic,” said Jielijian. “As Asians, I believe we should do something to help those disaster-stricken victims in need.”
Jielijian’s idea immediately received responses from friends, many of whom are refugees who have fled China in recent years. Finding safety and prosperity in this land without fear of persecution from the Chinese Communist Party, they are very grateful to the American government. Seeing their American hosts in trouble, they are also deeply saddened.
Relief volunteer Zhang Yue, along with her husband and 4-year-old child, arrived in Los Angeles last year after a treacherous journey fleeing their homeland. With the help of a church in Los Angeles, they were able to settle down quickly.
“The American government and people have given our family tremendous help. Even though our financial situation is not great, I believe we should extend a helping hand,” she said, bringing her child to participate in relief activities in hopes of instilling gratitude in him from a young age.
Former tour guide Yang Guang donated $500 to the relief efforts. During the COVID-19 outbreak in China, he provided free haircuts to those who were forcibly quarantined. Seeing the smoke and haze in the fire-affected areas making breathing difficult, he empathized with the situation, saying, “They are homeless, and that resonates with me, so I want to help them.”
Volunteer Zhang Yingwei, who took part in the relief efforts, said that in the face of disaster, everyone has a responsibility to lend a hand. “Seeing them lose their homes and face difficulties, I feel very sad and sympathetic,” he said. “I believe that when we help others, we not only alleviate their suffering but also make society warmer.”
Novel Carter-Vasquez, a resident of the Wrightwood community in San Bernardino County, ran a family hostel and spa business that was completely destroyed by the fire. Currently, her family of five is living in an RV. Upon receiving the donated food supplies from Jielijian and his team, she expressed gratitude, saying, “I really want to say thank you for everything you have done for us. May God bless you.”
International student Zhang Junjie from Shanghai witnessed entire villages being razed, with many families suffering heavy losses. Watching elderly people being evacuated in others’ vehicles, he felt deep sympathy for the victims. “In times of disaster, we should do our part to help them, allowing the victims to feel the warmth and love of humanity. This is something we can do.”
Within a short period, they raised over $2,000, purchasing approximately 100 cases of bottled water, as well as a large quantity of biscuits, chocolates, and other energy foods. In addition to distributing relief supplies to the victims, they also donated to firefighters and relief volunteers.
“I believe that as Chinese immigrants in the United States, we should contribute to American society by actively helping others, engaging in charity and acts of kindness, and letting Americans rediscover immigrants from China,” Zhang Junjie said.
Recently, major U.S. media outlets have reported on some Chinese immigrants acting as agents of the Chinese Communist Party, engaging in activities that harm U.S. interests and facing investigations and indictments, such as Sun Wen, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of New York, and Lin Gui’an, senior assistant to the former Commissioner of the New York Police Department. The Governor of New York has even called for the expulsion of Consul General Huang Ping from the Chinese Consulate. Many Chinese people feel that CCP agents have tarnished the image of Chinese people in America.
Jielijian believes that the infiltration of the Chinese Communist Party into the U.S. government is highly destructive and may erode the trust that has been built towards Asians in the long term. He hopes that through relief activities, American people will come to realize that the vast majority of Chinese Americans in the U.S. are not under CCP control.
After shopping at Costco, some Chinese people were curious to see them buying so much. When they learned that the items were for fire victims, some Chinese people immediately offered to donate funds on the spot. Despite their vehicles being already full, Jielijian could only express gratitude to them. Some of the Chinese people gave them a thumbs up, praising, “You are doing great work, we support you!”
As of the time of writing, the “Lyon Fire” in San Bernardino County has burned over 38,000 acres, with a containment rate of 29%, and tens of thousands of residents have received evacuation orders, leaving thousands displaced; the “Bobcat Fire” in the Los Angeles area has scorched nearly 54,000 acres with only a 5% containment rate; and the “Silverado Fire” in Orange County has also burned over 23,000 acres of land, with only 19% containment. ◇