More 35,000 face masks have been donated to Perth and Kinross by China to help protect key workers and communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
The gift from the Chinese government is part of a close working relationship between the Perth Chinese Association, the Consul General Ma Qiang and Perth and Kinross Council.
Hundreds of boxes with the message “We will get through together” have now been delivered and are beginning to be distributed to key workers.
Andy Chan, chairman of the Perth Chinese Association, believes the large PPE donation is a sign of what can be made possible when communities come together.
Mr Chan said: “The Perth Chinese Association is very proud of the work we do in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council and PKAVS to support and welcome people from all over the world who come to live and work in our area.
“Over the years there have been many excellent examples where we have worked together to celebrate Chinese culture and support and develop the Chinese community in Perth and Kinross.
“We host year on year the biggest and most attended Chinese New Year Celebrations in the whole of Scotland, Chinese Mooncake Festival and International Youth Band Festival in co-operation with the Perth City Salute just to name a few events.
“Our partnership working shows that we can really achieve so much more when we work together in cooperation, sharing our resources and our goodwill.
“But it’s not just about events but about building and strengthening the relationship with between us all and China.”
The Consul General and the Shandong Province Delegation donated 20,000 masks to Perth and Kinross Council and an additional 15,000 to the Perth Chinese Association.
The gift to Perth and Kinross was in addition to the 1.6 million masks donated to Scotland and the Chinese Community Associations.
Karen Reid, Perth and Kinross Council chief executive, welcomed the huge batch of PPE.
Ms Reid said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our citizens and staff is paramount.
“We very much appreciate this kind donation of PPE from China which is already benefiting key workers across Perth and Kinross.
“This reflects the strong relationship and community spirit that we have with our Chinese community in Perth and Kinross, Scotland and around the world, and is another excellent example of people pulling together to respond to and overcome the coronavirus pandemic.”
