Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to extend my sincere gratitude to you for your sympathy and condolences to the victims of the terrible earthquake in Sichuan, China.

Since the earthquake, the Chinese Government has mobilized the whole country in the rescue operations by pooling the whole national resources. And the international community also immediately extended to us a hand of friendship by offering rescue and humanitarian assistance.

Your generous donation is highly appreciated and means a lot for the restoration andreconstruction efforts in the affected areas, and is an invaluable encouragement as well for the people there to overcome difficulties. Through concerted efforts, the quake-stricken areas were successful in relief operations. At present, our main focus is on restoration and reconstruction.

I want to assure you that your kind donation has already been forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that it will be exclusively used for the relief and reconstruction work in the quake-affected areas.

I am convinced that, with the help and support of the international community and your encouragement, the people in the affected areas will unite as one, overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes. On behalf of the people affected in the tragedy, I'd like to extend to you again my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.

Please accept my best regards to you and your family.

Sincerely yours,

Peng Keyu

Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York