A Big Donation for Hurricane Helene Relief in North Carolina Comes From Unlikely Source

Richard Stradling, The News & Observer (Raleigh)

Among the donations pouring into Western North Carolina to help people recover from Hurricane Helene is a sizable one from a foreign government.

Taiwan donated $300,000 to the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund, which was created by the state and is administered by the United Way. Donations to the fund are distributed to local organizations involved in disaster relief and recovery.

Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China, announced Oct. 12 that it would donate $800,000 to help local governments and residents in three states hit hard by Helene. It pledged $300,000 each to North Carolina and Florida and $200,000 to Georgia.

The money was distributed through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices in Atlanta and Miami.

“Taiwan has experienced similar tragedies and understands the profound sense of loss that follows typhoons and earthquakes,” Yi-Lung Wang, director general of the Atlanta office, said in a written statement. “It is this shared experience that motivates us to stand in solidarity with the people of North Carolina during this difficult time.”

Gov. Roy Cooper said Taiwanese officials traveled to the state Monday to present the donation.

“North Carolinians are determined to recover and rebuild from this horrific storm, and we’re grateful for the help pouring in from across the country and around the world,” Cooper said in a statement. “It’s heartwarming to receive this donation from Taiwan and the support of its people for ours.”

The N.C. Disaster Relief Fund was created after Hurricane Floyd in 1999. It was reactivated by Gov. Pat McCrory after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and again by Cooper after Hurricane Florence in 2018.

The governor’s office is not aware of any previous donations from foreign governments.

The fund raised $5.9 million in the year after Florence through donations from thousands of businesses, schools, foundations and individuals. Cooper’s office said at the time that donations ranged from $1.5 million from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina to $1 that an 8-year-old boy from Georgia gave from his allowance.

The Helene fund has received nearly $11.5 million as of Tuesday, according to the governor’s office. The money goes to local nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims, including food, water and cleaning supplies. More than 20 groups have received grants so far.

To donate to the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund, go to nc.gov/donate or mail the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C., 27699-0312.

©2024 Raleigh News & Observer. Visit newsobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.