A Ningbo Ruyi worker donating blood to help China's earthquake victims.

Materials handling companies have rallied behind victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked south west China on 12 May, killing thousands and leaving millions homeless.

Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co Ltd president Chu Jiwang was on a business trip in the US when he heard about the disaster. He immediately responded with a RMB1 million (USD143,694) donation through the Ninghai Charity Foundation.

"Ningbo Ruyi is facing a tough exporting situation but residents in the disaster areas are undergoing incredible hardship," Chu says.

On 19 May, the company's donation totalled RMB2,736,896 (USD393,277), with funds raised by staff including factory workers, who also gave blood at a local blood centre. Chu says the company plans to build a school in Sichuan province.

"We will send some experts to monitor the project to ensure the safety and quality of the building," he adds.

Nearly 7,000 classrooms in Sichuan collapsed in the quake, burying thousands of schoolchildren alive, leaving many questioning the construction quality of China's schools.

Jenny Zhang, general manager of leading forklift manufacturer Zhejiang Hangcha Company, says the company and its employees have collectively raised RMB631,880 (USD90,798) to assist the earthquake victims.

Container handling specialist Noell Crane Systems (China) Ltd's management and employees have donated over RMB54,000 (USD7,760) to the victims.

Hytsu Group president Jerry Hu says company management raised funds to give to the Shanghai Red Cross Society but did not disclose the amount.

Nissan Motor Co Ltd announced last week it had pledged JPY15 million (USD145,151) to China's Red Cross Society to support emergency relief efforts in Sichuan.

E-P Equipment Co Ltd also mobilised staff to raise money for the victims last week.

Company spokeswoman Sang Tian declined to reveal E-P's total donation but called on industry members to support relief efforts.

"We believe when we hold hands together, we can do so much to support the humanitarian efforts to assist the earthquake victims. Our contribution unites us in making a difference."

Readers wishing to assist quake victims can contribute to the Red Cross appeal with online donations at http://donate.ifrc.org/