Two months ago, the novel coronavirus engulfed Southeast Asia, rapidly spreading and inducing panic throughout the region. Jian Sun felt that panic halfway around the globe in Wisconsin.
"I remember I was very emotional in the moment, when I saw the news and hear the news from friends and relatives over there, how much suffering they had," Sun said.
Sun leads the Milwaukee Chinese Community Center. He organized a fundraiser in January which collected nearly $10,000 to send medical supplies to China.
With the recent outbreak of coronavirus in Wisconsin, he's now leading a similar effort to distribute supplies back home.
"I feel like we just finished our first half in Wuhan," Sun said. "Now it’s our second half of fighting the coronavirus in our own community," she said.
Sun says that the organization collected about 1,500 masks and other medical supplies this week. Those supplies were donated to the Milwaukee Police Department and Medical College of Wisconsin.
The organization is also trying to raise $50,000 for United Way by Monday. Sun says they've raised about $35,000 so far. He said the organization will match up to $10,000 of their generous gift.
The efforts inspired a partnership with Ninja Hibachi Sushi in Menomonee Falls to help raise even more money. Resturant owner Lee Chen offered to match up to $5,000, even as his restaurant goes through a tough time.
"I needed to do something for this community," Chen said.
It's with that sentiment Sun hopes others will join him in the fight against the coronavirus.
"We’re not done yet, we’re continuing working on this until we win," Sun said.
If you want to donate to the cause, visit the Milwaukee Chinese Community Center website by clicking here.
