The devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po resulted in 159 fatalities. In response, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) quickly activated its emergency response. From Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, over 129,000 emergency supplies were sent to Hong Kong based on requests from the HKSAR government. GBA cities rapidly contributed significant donations, providing Hong Kong with vital support during this crisis. This quick response showcased the growing emotional ties and unity within the GBA since its establishment six years ago.
Hong Kong will remember how "hard connectivity" created an emergency lifeline as relief supplies flowed from the mainland without delay. Shenzhen's ports facilitated the smooth transport of these supplies, supported by customs and immigration services. Many residents transported needed items directly to affected areas, reflecting the compassion of the GBA community.
Additionally, the GBA's "soft connectivity" fostered strong camaraderie through swift assistance, exemplified by Shenzhen's Fire and Rescue Brigade deploying drones and essential equipment to the scene shortly after the fire broke out.
Continued Flow of Mainland Donations: A Heartfelt Response to HK
In the aftermath of the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, support from the mainland came swiftly. By the evening of Nov. 27, over 40 enterprises had donated more than RMB 700 million for relief efforts. This total rose to approximately RMB 1.2 billion by Nov. 30, reflecting a tremendous outpouring of generosity. Notable contributions included Wens Foodstuffs Group, which donated HK$40 million, and Tencent Charity Foundation, which contributed HK$30 million. SF Express also played a crucial role, offering HK$20 million and free transportation services across 146 locations in Hong Kong. The Guangdong Red Cross Society and various educational institutions joined in these efforts, underscoring a strong collective commitment to support Hong Kong during this challenging time.
The response from mainland residents was equally poignant. Many closely followed updates on the situation in Tai Po, showcasing their concern through heartfelt messages on social media. The sentiment was clear: "We're all one family." Many netizens expressed eagerness to help, inquiring about donation methods and contributing whatever they could to assist those affected.
A Unified Mourning: A Cultural Compassion
The perspective on life and death, informed by cultural wisdom, views these experiences as natural and meaningful processes. This understanding encourages rituals that help restore peace to the souls affected by sudden tragedies, moving away from fatalistic interpretations of disasters. It fosters a deep reverence for life while offering emotional solace to the bereaved, emphasizing that compassion transcends borders and unites communities.
Shenzhen Enterprises Rally to Support
In response to the Tai Po fire, Shenzhen enterprises displayed remarkable solidarity and commitment. Ping An of China activated its emergency response plan and donated HK$10 million while collaborating with local charities for efficient relief distribution. Similarly, Tencent Foundation is also launching a public donation campaign on WeChat to encourage further contributions. Other companies, particularly in the mini-game sector, joined the effort, collectively donating over RMB 10 million through a charity program. This collaboration showcased a strong spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility during the crisis.
Companies such as BYD, Heytea, Didi, and Huolala provided significant support in the form of funds, supplies, and services. Cheng Hao, General Manager of Public Communications at Heytea, expressed, "As a Shenzhen-based company, we have a profound bond with HK. While disasters may strike mercilessly, human compassion shines brightly. We hope to help our HK compatriots rebuild their lives swiftly."
Grassroots Support from Shenzhen Communities
Grassroots efforts significantly enriched the relief response. On November 28, just days after the fire, a kindergarten in Futian District mobilized parents and teachers to assemble relief supplies. In a remarkable show of solidarity, they collected around 6,000 items, including warm clothing, diapers, and daily necessities. Parents volunteered their vehicles, and teachers secured transportation, embodying a collective commitment to support those affected.
Li Jianhao, a member of the HK and Macao Committee of the CPPCC, organized an appeal for donations, emphasizing the needs of families for children's clothing. The community quickly sprang into action, bringing essentials such as tissues, food, and clothing to the kindergarten. Administrative staff worked diligently to sort these donations, ensuring they were prepared for swift delivery to Hong Kong.
The effort culminated in a collective sigh of relief from the kindergarten community when they received confirmation that the supplies had safely arrived in Hong Kong and were on their way to those in need. Each gesture of goodwill reflected a deep sense of unity and compassion, reinforcing the bonds between communities.
(Source: Wen Wei Po | Editor: Phoebe, Liu Yu)
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