(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

Cao Heyuan from Xiangcheng High-tech Zone in Suzhou City has raised 30 tonnes of supplies donated by local enterprises to support relief efforts in Dingri County in the city of Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, which was struck by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on January 7.

On the evening of January 8, Cao oversaw the loading of the supplies onto vehicles at a wholesale market in Chengguan District, Lhasa. In an interview, she appeared to be slightly breathless due to altitude sickness and fatigue.

"I heard the news of the earthquake yesterday morning while on a business trip. Such emergencies require assistance from those familiar with the situation, so I immediately contacted Wang Shunli, a friend who regularly assists communities in Xizang, and we rushed to the disaster area together," she explained.

Cao said they contacted businesses in Suzhou and raised 400,000 yuan in donations. Then they took the earliest flight to Lhasa at 8 a.m. that day, and purchased supplies that filled seven light trucks. The supplies included barley flour, tsamba (the most popular staple food in Xizang), heaters, pressure cookers, cotton quilts, and coats.

Cao said that the current local temperature is around minus 20 degrees Celsius, and it's also difficult to start fires on the plateau. Therefore, the purchased items needed to be practical and useful.

Cao also mentioned that the wholesale market was packed with vehicles from all over the country. Several Lhasa students, who had previously received support from Wang, also volunteered to help load the supplies.

According to Cao, an entrepreneurs' association in Suzhou contributes to public welfare activities every year. Her call for donations this time received a rapid and enthusiastic response from everyone in the association.