On the afternoon of May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale hit Sichuan Province, a mountainous region
in Western China. It was the most disastrous earthquake in China in the past 32 years. Official figures (as of 27 May) state
that about 67,183 people are confirmed dead, 361,822 people are injured and 20,790 people are still inaccessible. The localities
most severely affected by the earthquake are in the area around Wenchuan, Sichuan province. Shannxi, Gansu, Yunnan and Chongqing
are also affected. Wenchuan is still inaccessible by road and telecommunications remain limited, so the full extent of damages
there has yet to be assessed. Many local schools are badly affected and hundreds of students are trapped under the rubble.
At present, cash donations represent the best way to get help where it is needed most as relief supplies must be procured
locally and cannot be shipped in due to transportation disruptions.
Today, Armstrong and its employees are donating RMB 423,300 to the earthquake region.
Mr Ken Chong, Vice President of Armstrong said that the donation reflected concerns expressed by Armstrong staff for the earthquake
victims. He said that "Everyone at Armstrong has been shocked and saddened by the devastating earthquake in China's Sichuan
Province. Our company extends our profound and sincere sympathies to those affected by the destruction and impact of the earthquake
in China. We hope this contribution can help to ease human suffering and help in the massive task ahead of the people affected
by this disaster. We hope things would get better as soon as possible."

