Standing Together: Tong De Association Actively Engages in Local Pandemic Response

Recently, Tong De Association donated over a thousand masks to the Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC). President Anna, Vice-President Hao Hu, and Committee members Warmly attended the donation ceremony on behalf of Tong De Association. Dilky Wijeyekoon, the AMRC Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) and NDIS Manager accepted the donation and expressed appreciation for the support from Tong De Association and the Chinese community.  

Photo: Anna Cheung (middle), President of Tong De Association of SA, AMRC Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) and NDIS Manager Dilky Wijeyekoon (left). Vice-President of Tong De Association of SA, Hao Hu (right)

Tong De Association’s mask donation shows the active participation of our Chinese community in Australia’s COVID-19 prevention efforts. This act of care, support, and community contribution enhances the positive perception of the Chinese community in society. The masks donated will be used by the AMRC to provide essential protective gear to community members, particularly those in vulnerable groups, ensuring that resources are allocated to those most in need

In February 2020, at the early stage of the pandemic, Tong De Association took action by organising the South Australian Chinese Quarantine Anti-Pandemic Group, which facilitated the purchase and delivery of food and essential supplies to quarantined individuals. Utilizing a WeChat group, they provided aid to quarantined international students and returning Australian residents, sparing them the need for outside trips. This proactive measure effectively curbed the spread of COVID-19. Leveraging the postal codes of isolating individuals and volunteers significantly enhanced the operation’s efficiency and engagement. Volunteers could optimise their efforts by identifying nearby individuals in need, thereby saving time and expenses on commuting. ABC News also reported extensively on this initiative, highlighting Tong De Association’s members and volunteers’ dedicated efforts, as well as the altruistic contributions of numerous small businesses, all of which played a crucial role in assisting countless quarantined individuals in need.

Since May 2020, donations of Covid-19 prevention supplies have been distributed to thousands of Adelaide community members affected by the COVID-19 virus, including students (via consulates), the elderly, families, and small businesses. These supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizers, were donated to the Tong De Association by various organisations. Additionally, we have also made donations to other groups such as the Hutt Street Homeless Shelter, the Royal Society for the Blind, and the Australian Migrant Resource Centre.

Due to Tong De Association’s proactive contributions during the pandemic, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall and South Australian Legislative Council Member and Assistant Minister to the Premier, Jing Lee, sent letters of appreciation, commending and acknowledging the association’s efforts.

On September 25th, during a video conference, Australian Minister for Immigration Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, also recognized the contributions of the Chinese community to Australia’s pandemic response efforts.

The pandemic knows no borders, and Tong De Association has made significant contributions in the fight against it.

We firmly believe that each individual, with their modest efforts, contributes to a collective endeavor. Each mask (hand sanitizer) we donate represents a bond of mutual assistance and care.