Hand in Hand, Heart to Heart

Children of Jinniu, Chengdu, China, have sent a heart felt gift of thanks to the Willoughby community for our response to the Chinese earthquake in 2008.

The Willoughby community gathered in force to support our global friends who were affected by the earthquake that hit the outskirts of Jinniu.

Along with a donation of more than $10 000 raised by local community members and local school students, Willoughby Council sent our friendly-city the gift of 1 000 paper cranes symbolising our wish for a steady recovery, future happiness and long lasting prosperity.

Deeply touched by Willoughby’s gift, 50 students in Jinniu expressed their sincere gratitude through painting images of their experiences and best wishes for our friendship.

The artworks include more than 10 unique hand painted posters and cloth works with two pieces spanning more than 10 metres each.

The artworks are wonderful depictions of life in their province and rich in expression and colour, telling the story of the children’s recent experiences.

The exchange of the paper cranes and paintings symbolise the close and growing friendship between the two communities.

"The paper cranes brought us the concern and wishes from the other side of the ocean and symbolise the friendship between our two cities. It is the most precious gift we have ever received," wrote the Mayor of Jinniu District People’s Government in his letter of thanks.

The video shows the Jinniu children creating and presenting the artworks. Hear first hand from the Jinniu children themselves about how their community is rebuilding their homes following the devastation of the 2008 earthquake. It’s a truly moving experience to watch this footage.