American-based Internet stock trading website company Scottrade has donated USD26,389 to the Tzu Chi Foundation to support of the victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

"Scottrade’s contribution will provide the victims of the China earthquake with blankets, daily supply kits, medicine, hot meals, schools and shelter," said Beajia Laschober, director of the St. Louis Service Center - Tzu Chi Foundation. "In the short-term, Tzu Chi provides temporary schools and housing meant to last a couple of years. But their long-term goal is to provide permanent schools that will last for over 100 years."

Donations from Scottrade associates across the United States were matched by the firm to support those in China directly affected by the May 12 earthquake. Scottrade Asia Pacific Services, which supports Chinese-speaking customers living in the U.S., Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong, coordinated fundraising efforts, while other Scottrade departments volunteered their time to collect donations for the victims in the Sichuan Province and surrounding areas. All of the proceeds donated by Scottrade and its associates will be used to help the victims displaced by the earthquake and subsequent flooding.

"Our associates have a history of generosity, giving both to those in the U.S. and abroad, and this cause was no different," said Rodger Riney, Scottrade president and CEO. "I am proud of our associates and am thankful that we can offer some assistance to this troubled region."