Several companies with a presence in and around the earthquake zone have also pledged substantial sums for relief efforts.

Wilmar International Limited, an agri-processing company, is contributing US$2.85 million while property developer CapitaLand has pledged S$1 million. Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings contributed one million yuan (S$197,000) in cash as well as two million yuan worth of life-saving drugs.

Even Hollywood-based Chinese gongfu star Jet Li was part of the action. On behalf of the One Foundation project he founded and the Singapore Red Cross Society, he launched a donation drive and appealed to people here to contribute something, however little.

While some organisations have appealed for help, others are relying on private donors and their own patrons for support, especially with donations still being collected for victims of the Myanmar cyclone disaster.

Mercy Relief's chief executive Hassan Ahmad said it is coordinating with the Sichuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation to send 500 eight-man tents to Sichuan.

The Hua Yuan Association, a non-profit organisation formed by new immigrants from China, will be working with www.SgChinese.com, a website for Chinese Singaporeans, to raise funds, while the Singapore Buddhist Lodge has put out donation boxes.

Singaporeans and Chinese nationals flocked to the Hometown restaurant on Smith Street to give donations. The restaurant is being used as a coordination point by Tian Fu Club, an organisation of Sichuanese here.

Novena Holdings' chief executive Toh Soon Huat, who donated the single largest sum of S$30,000, said: 'I'm just trying my best to help.'

zongying@sph.com.sg

aprilc@sph.com.sg