Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China, donated more than $3 million and hosted a charity tournament to benefit orphans of the May 12 Sichuan earthquake disaster.
Proceeds were used to establish Dr. David Chu's Care Fund for Orphans. It will be administered by the China Charity Federation and Shenzhen Charity Federation to provide for the future living expenses and educational needs of those orphaned by the tragedy. Dr. David Chu is the Chairman of the Mission Hills Group.
The "Golfers 5.12 Fundraising Campaign," a charity tournament organized by Dr. Chu, raised additional funds. The event was staged on seven of the club's courses and featured 800 participants teeing off simultaneously. Supported by more than 20 golf associations from China and Hong Kong, it netted $800,000 for the cause.
"We're deeply saddened by the catastrophe that's gripped our neighbors in Sichuan," says Dr. Chu, whose generosity and patriotism has been praised by the central government. "We want to do what we can to stand with them during their time of need, and hope our donations will facilitate the healing process."
The establishment of the fund continues Mission Hills' recent track record of significant and timely altruistic donations following natural disasters. Over the last decade, Mission Hills has contributed to victims following the February 2008 blizzards in southern China, the 2006 and 2005 floods in southern China, the 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, and more.