Since the day after the earthquake struck Sichuan, Cargill China has been mobilizing its resources to collect funds for the relief efforts by initiating a worldwide fundraising campaign among its businesses and employees.

"I want to express my deepest regret to the quake victims in Sichuan and also my greatest respect to all the rescuer workers who are fighting to save and care for those effected in the quake-hit areas. Our hearts go out to the people of Sichuan Province. We all now have to ban together to help those affected by the earthquake. We hope our donation can help people in need at this critical time. We will do more, but we wanted to get this money into the hands of relief providers as quickly as possible," stated Norwell Coquillard, president of Cargill China.

As of today, Cargill China has collected over CNY6.8 million in earthquake relief funds. Donations to help the people affected by the earthquake have originated from its corporate headquarters in the United States, China business units, Cargill offices in other countries and Cargill employees inside and outside of China.

In addition to a large contribution from Cargill's headquarters, Cargill's senior management declared that the company would match employee contributions on a 1:1 ration. Cargill says its employees from 28 locations in China enthusiastically responded to this relief campaign through their local committees of Cargill China Cares Council.

A portion of the funds collected by Cargill will be donated to the China Red Cross, the International Red Cross, the China Children's and Teenagers' Foundation and others organizations for earthquake relief. Approximately CNY800,000 of the funds will be used to assist Cargill employees and customers with emergency relief and reconstruction will be assigned for rebuilding damaged schools.