Chinese community group raises thousands of pounds for frontline healthcare workers

A Chinese community group in Wales has raised thousands of pounds for healthcare workers and vulnerable people in Wales.

More than £6,000 has been donated to a Chinese in Wales Association (CIWA) fundraiser, which will be used to buy personal protective equipment (PPE).

The group said it also wanted to promote "cohesion and harmony" after experiencing an increase in racism and hate crime since the coronavirus outbreak.

One hundred members of the organisation shared photographed messages of gratitude.

The CIWA has donated nearly 2,000 masks to healthcare workers. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

The CIWA has donated nearly 2,000 masks to local health clinics inresponse the lack of protective gear of the health workers.

It comes after 1,000 healthcare workers called for "urgent steps" to address a lack of PPE and "dangerous" shortage of hospital beds.

It said its frontline team have been working additional hours to ensure its members are fully supported, including the translation of Government messages.

Healthcare workers have been appealing for more PPE. Credit: Chinese in Wales Association

Hazel Lim, CIWA’s manager of Art and Culture said: “CIWA’s priority is focusing on meeting the needs of the community, supporting them to get through this difficult time despite their language barriers and fear.

"However, the wellbeing of the community is still critical, CIWA is supporting families and using social media to help tackle isolation.

"Once the call went out to the Chinese community to submit photos saying thank you to our health workers, we were inspired by the response, in just 3 days we had over 100 photos!’’

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